The Memphis Grizzlies have only been able to muster a 127-182 record between the 2017-2020 seasons, they have not exactly been lighting things up across the NBA league. So it is pretty easy to see the struggles that the Grizzlies have been through over the last 4 seasons, so having a player like Ja Morant is a pretty big deal. People need to remember what he did in his 1st season, with his main attribute being able to get off the floor and putting himself quickly tops on the team in scoring at 17.8ppg.
The improvement of Memphis, although not tearing through the league, has been showing signs of improvement.
They have won 34+ games in each of his first 3 years, and Morant has hung some pretty strong numbers for being the only threat on the team. In the Grizzlies series vs the heavily favored Jazz in last year’s playoffs – his play was red hot – scoring 26+ in 4 of their 5 games – he also had time to dish off 8.2 helpers /game. In his short career – the 3rd year PG has been no stranger to big moments, he has completed his share of big plays. Morant has given Memphis hope that they can win when playing the top teams. A lethal guy with his talent changes the way his team looks, and we know when a team has hope, they play much differently than those without it. Memphis has looked to be greatly improved from last season, when they were 38-34, they benefited from the short season which may have allowed them to sneak into the tournament. Along with grabbing late W’s after they were looking like they were not going to get in. The Grizzlies squeaked into the playoffs, in 2020 with 38 W’s – they look to be far better than that this year
The Grizzlies are only getting better, and they look to have the potential to be a 50 win team. Memphis showed some stuff last year, then with getting young swingman, Desmond Bane, more time on the court as well – has made things better for both of them. I think it is pretty clear how much better Ja and Bane can make this Memphis offense, the 23 year old’s additional court time has immediately helped them, as he is averaging 18 ppg and 4 rpg this year – both better than last year’s numbers. He has found himself to be a real factor for the Memphis offense this season.
Ja Morant has had his share of NBA success, and has been improving his ppg from 18 in his first season to 25 currently, and his defense has quietly also improved. He can overcome bigger defenders with smooth handles – as he has the slick ability to avoid constant pressure from a swarming front, when driving to the bucket. Memphis knows they have a young star – and have been able to hammer out plays for the 22 year old ball handler to be able to thrive in. As long as the Grizzlies offensive staff puts together solid game planning, they will be fine. He has shown to be the guy for them, as he oozes strong leadership. Memphis has some decent talent on the offensive side of the ball – with Bane and Morant leading them. Memphis’ frontcourt has been good enough to help out a stud like Ja Morant, who can manage the game well enough. They will rely on the former Murray State star to get them to the NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies ready to make a push – and Ja Morant is the man for the job.
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