"They’ll remember real quick" - Former Grizzlies forward warns NBA about Ja Morant's imminent comeback following injury
Ja Morant took the NBA by storm in 2020 with some dazzling performances that earned him the Rookie of the Year award. He followed that up with strong seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Unfortunately for the talented guard, off-court issues and a shoulder injury limited him to just nine games last season. A former teammate, however, says Morant is set to make a major impact in 2024.
Ziaire Williams, who played alongside Morant with the Memphis Grizzlies for three seasons, knows just how explosive the 6-foot-2 star can be on the court. Speaking with HoopsHype, Williams took it upon himself to remind the league and the fans what to expect next season.
"In the NBA, it’s all just recency bias. He was just hurt. He didn't play last year, but they'll remember real quick," Williams said.
Williams says Morant is one of the best players in the league and named him in his top five current NBA players list alongside Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic.
Williams went on to praise Morant's kindness and attitude.
"He flew all the way from Memphis just to come to my camp. As great as he is on the court, he's even ten times better off the court," Williams added.
Morant made his last appearance on Jan. 5th in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He looks fit and healthy for the upcoming season and will be desperate to get back on the court after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was named to the All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023
Ja Morant was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft behind Duke forward Zion Williamson. He made an immediate impact and his energetic and flamboyant style of play helped propel the Grizzlies up the standings.
In 2022, Morant was selected for his first-ever All-Star Game. He finished the season averaging 27.4 points, 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds.
The South Carolina native followed that up with another exceptional season and was once again named to the All-Star team. He finished the 2023 season averaging 26.2 points, 8.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds.
The loss of Ja Morant last season was a massive blow for the Grizzlies, who had been gradually working their way up the Western Conference ladder. Morant had been vital to the Grizzlies' success over the last three years, leading the franchise all the way to the Western Conference semifinals in 2022.
Without their leading scorer, the team finished with a 27-55 record last season.