What Pick Was Ja Morant In The Nba Draft?
We all know that Ja Morant was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. But what pick was he in the draft? We take a look at where he was selected and how he’s doing so far in his young NBA career.
Ja Morant’s Background
Ja Morant was born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, to Tee and Jamie Morant. He has two older sisters, Antoinette and Jalea. His parents divorced when he was younger, and he was raised by his mother and grandparents. As a child, Morant was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. He began playing basketball when he was five years old and did not start playing organized basketball until he was in eighth grade.
Morant’s high school career
Ja Morant not only lead his team to a state championship, but he also won Mr. Basketball in the state of Tennessee. Morant’s high school career was simply remarkable, and it made him a highly sought after prospect by many colleges.
Morant’s college career
Ja Morant played two seasons of college basketball at Murray State University in Kentucky, averaging 24.5 points, 10.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game as a sophomore in 2018–19. He was the first player in NCAA Division I history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game in a season, and only the fourth player ever to do so at any NCAA level. Morant was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, and earned second-team All-American honors from the Associated Press (AP).
The 2019 NBA Draft
On June 20, 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Ja Morant with the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Morant, a 6’3 guard from Murray State, was widely considered to be one of the best prospects in the draft.
Morant’s pre-draft process
Ja Morant’s pre-draft process was positive from start to finish. After putting together an outstanding sophomore season at Murray State, Morant participated in the NBA Draft Combine in May and meshed well with other prospects during interviews with teams. He also impressed in individual workouts leading up to the draft, prompting many pundits to project him as a lottery pick.
Morant is drafted 2nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant, the sensational point guard out of Murray State, was selected with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant was widely expected to go second overall, behind only Zion Williamson of Duke.
Morant’s Rookie Season
Ja Morant was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant was considered one of the best prospects in the draft. He was also named the consensus National College Player of the Year.
Morant’s impact on the Grizzlies
In his rookie season, Morant quickly became one of the most exciting players in the NBA. His highlight reel dunks and no-look passes had fans and pundits alike raving about his potential. But what was even more impressive was the impact he had on his team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Before Morant arrived, the Grizzlies were a middling team that had missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. But with Morant leading the way, they improved to 33-49 and just barely missed out on a playoff spot.
What’s more, the Grizzlies’ offense improved dramatically with Morant on the court. They scored 111.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court, which would have been good for sixth in the NBA if they had maintained that rate over the course of the season. When he was off the court, they scored just 103.9 points per 100 possessions, which would have placed them 23rd.
Overall, it was a very successful rookie season for Morant, and there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how he develops over the next few years as he looks to lead the Grizzlies back to relevance in the Western Conference.
Morant’s Rookie of the Year campaign
Ja Morant’s 2019-20 season was nothing short of remarkable. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard was selected with the second overall pick in the NBA draft, and he proceeded to have one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. Morant averaged 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game, leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs while being named Rookie of the Year.
Morant’s Future
Pick was Ja Morant in the NBA draft? The answer to that question is second round, eleventh pick, overall. The Memphis Grizzlies took Ja Morant with the second pick in the NBA draft.
Morant’s potential
Ja Morant was picked 2nd in the NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant is a 6’3″ tall point guard from Murray State. He is 20 years old. In his two seasons at Murray State, Morant averaged 24.5 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Morant has the potential to be a very good player in the NBA. He is a good shooter and has the ability to get to the basket and finish. He is also a very good passer and playmaker. Morant will need to work on his defense, but he has the potential to be a very good player in the NBA.
Morant’s role on the Grizzlies moving forward
Now that the Memphis Grizzlies have drafted Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, fans are wondering what his role on the team will be moving forward.
The Grizzlies already have point guard Mike Conley Jr. on the roster, so it’s unlikely that Morant will see much playing time at that position. However, Conley is set to become a free agent next summer, so Morant could eventually take over as the starting point guard.
In the meantime, Morant will likely see minutes at both point guard and shooting guard. He has the ability to play off the ball, so he could see time alongside Conley in the backcourt. Additionally, Morant’s scoring ability will be a valuable asset coming off the bench.
No matter what role he ultimately plays for the team, there’s no doubt that Ja Morant will be an important piece of the puzzle for the Memphis Grizzlies moving forward.
