Unconvinced Ja Morant fires five-word response to puzzling NBA GM list
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was recently named as one of the five players most likely to have a breakout year during the 2024-25 season in an anonymous general manager survey conducted by NBA.com. The survey polled GMs from around the league, regarding a variety of topics such as, "Who is the best point guard in the league?"
One question asked GMs which player is most likely to have a breakout year during the 2024-25 season, with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams receiving 13% of the votes. Second place was a three-way tie between Evan Mobley, Ja Morant, and Victor Wembanyama, who all received 10% of votes.
A screenshot of the results from the poll was shared by NBA TV on X, formerly known as Twitter. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was quick to respond on Wednesday, questioning why he was on the list. Along with a facepalming emoji, he wrote:
"Respectfully .. why i’m on here?"
While players like Jalen Williams and Evan Mobley are viewed as standout roleplayers, neither has had the same success as Morant, who led the Grizzlies to a 56-win season in 2022, and a 51-win season in 2023.
Although Ja Morant is fresh off a season where he played just nine games due to a suspension and a shoulder injury, given his success in the league, and his status as a two-time All-Star, he's more likely to fit in a category of players who are poised for bounce-back seasons rather than a breakout season.
To make matters even more strange, Morant also won the 2022 Most Improved Player award, indicating that he's already had his breakout season.
Ja Morant avoids major injury after preseason ankle roll
After playing in just nine games during the 2023-24 NBA season, Ja Morant suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies' preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
Early on in the second quarter, Morant rolled his ankle while running in transition, which led to the Grizzlies guard heading back to the locker room after showing obvious signs of pain.
While fans expressed concern for Morant's ankle, both he and Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins made it clear that the team's decision to pull him for the rest of the game was precautionary.
While speaking with media members after the game, Ja Morant squashed concerns about his ankle, explaining:
“I’m good. It’s preseason, man.”
As Taylor Jenkins explained, the team hasn't decided yet whether or not Morant will be back in action for Thursday's preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite that, Jenkins made it clear that despite the mild sprain, there are no concerns about Morant's availability for opening night on Oct. 23, when the Grizzlies start the 2024-25 campaign off with a road game against the Utah Jazz.