NBA analyst speculates Ja Morant having a career year this season with Grizzlies: “Morant, Desmond Bane, that backcourt is as formidable as any in the league”
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is coming off a 2021-22 season that saw him win the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Morant now has his eyes on a bigger prize.
The superstar floor general is off to an outstanding start this season. Morant is averaging 29.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 48.0%.
When Memphis is at full health, the Grizzlies (9-6) have shown the ability to go toe-to-toe with any opponent. Teammate Desmond Bane has also taken his game to another level. Bane is averaging 24.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4.8 apg while shooting 45.1% from 3-point range.
The two have blossomed this year, becoming one of the best backcourt tandems in the entire NBA. Although Bane is dealing with an injury, the Grizzlies are looking more dangerous than ever. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski praised Morant while appearing on "Get Up." Wojnarowski said that Morant could be on the way toward a potential run at the league's MVP award.
"Morant, Desmond Bane, that backcourt is as formidable as any in the league. So, they're gonna have Bane back in a couple weeks, and I think this is a Memphis team that has everything it takes to be a one seed in the west. Remember, they were the two seed last year, and right now, Ja Morant, interesting stat with him, third-most paint points in the league over the last couple of years.
"The last four MVPs – Giannis (Antetokounmpo), Nicola Jokic, you know, both 7-footers, of course – (are) the only two players with more paint points than him. This could be Ja Morant's year."
Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant continues to shine
The Memphis Grizzlies are showing the potential to be a force in the Western Conference. After earning the No. 2 seed last season, Memphis looks to be prepared to take its game to another level.
The Grizzlies' superstar point guard has been outstanding. Ja Morant has seen his game progress on an impressive pace each season. In his last four games, Morant is averaging 31.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 6.5 apg and 2.0 steals per game.
The key for the Grizzlies this year has been the development of running mate Desmond Bane. The 24-year-old wing is currently dealing with a toe injury and is expected to be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.
JA MORANT IS ABSURD.
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Bane was a strong piece of the puzzle last year for the Grizzlies, averaging 18.2 ppg and 4.4 apg while shooting 43.6% from 3-point range. But Bane has also taken his game to another level this year.
The debate around who is the best backcourt in the NBA has been a passionate one over the years. With the sudden improvements of both Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the argument has shifted its spotlight toward Memphis. If the two players can continue to perform at this level, they will make the Grizzlies a dangerous opponent.
Memphis is set to take on the OKC Thunder (6-8) on Friday night. From there, the team will face the Brooklyn Nets (6-9) on Sunday before a pair of home games. The Grizzlies currently find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference standings.