Following his suspension and injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is looking for redemption.
Once viewed as a legitimate candidate to take over as the face of the league, after a slew of off-court issues and being relegated to the sidelines for all but nine games last season the 25-year-old has seen his status take a hit and stock drop considerably in the eyes of both fans and media pundits.
Despite this unfortunate fall from grace, however, some do still remember just how stellar of a player Morant has proven to be throughout his five-year career with the Grizzlies, and, just recently, people were reminded of this when the social media account, House of Highlights dropped a “Start. Bench. Cut” post consisting of him, Russell Westbrook, and Derrick Rose on their personal X account.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant grouped into conversation with true legends
Start. Bench. Cut 🤔👇 pic.twitter.com/BlT1uYLwNc
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) August 20, 2024
Coming into the league, Morant regularly drew comparisons to the likes of both Westbrook and Rose as a result of his otherworldly athleticism, lightning-quick speed, and out-of-the-gym bounce.
During his tenure with the Grizzlies, he’s managed to keep such chatter alive with both his play and accomplishments.
While he may not be an established league MVP (not yet, anyway) like the other two studs mentioned, Morant has had himself a similar career trajectory from an on-court perspective as both Rose and Westbrook to this point, which is why many in the comments section have noted that while Ja may be their “cut” option, he still has plenty of time left in his career to improve his standing.
This should be enough to get any Grind City stan thoroughly excited for what’s to come for both Morant and Memphis moving forward.
Start Russ
Bench D Rose
Cut JaBut Ja isn’t in his prime yet, so he could definitely move up
— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) August 20, 2024
In every season since being selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant has found himself improving his play and his team’s overall successes.
Kicking things off with a Rookie of the Year win and then, over the next four seasons, a Most Improved Player award, two All-Star selections, and an All-NBA nod, the point guard has proven himself to be one of the game’s brightest talents, and has posted sensational averages of 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals on 47.2 percent shooting along the way.
Of course, on top of individual accomplishments, Morant’s play has led the Grizzlies to historic heights, as he has guided to club to either the Play-In or NBA Playoffs in every full season he’s been a part of.
In the last two seasons where he was largely available, Memphis rattled off consecutive 50-plus win campaigns, clinched two straight second-seed finishes, and, in 2022, advanced to the West Semifinals for just the fourth time since their inception back in 1995.
Now, following a disastrous 27-55 campaign with the rising superstar predominantly sidelined, many are projecting to see a bounce-back run from this hungry and somewhat forgotten ball club.
Even after all his hardships, Morant is still finding his name grouped into the same conversation as two of the game’s greatest guard talents to ever lace them up.
Lets see how much higher he can make himself rank in such a discussion following his 2024-25 comeback season!
