How Ja Morant Became the 2019 NBA Draft's Most Exciting Pick
I remember watching the 2019 NBA Draft with that peculiar mix of anticipation and skepticism that comes from years of following basketball prospects. When David Stern announced Ja Morant as the Memphis Grizzlies' selection at number two, I felt something shift in the basketball landscape. What struck me most wasn't just his athleticism or raw talent—though he had both in spades—but rather how his journey mirrored that underdog spirit we often romanticize in sports. There's something about the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila that makes the climb even steeper for the University of the Philippines, and similarly, there was something about Morant's path from Murray State that made his ascent to NBA stardom feel both improbable and inevitable.
Looking back at his college statistics, the numbers still astonish me. During his sophomore year at Murray State, Morant averaged 24.5 points and an NCAA-leading 10 assists per game—the first player in Division I history to achieve this double-double average. These weren't empty stats against weak competition either. I recall watching footage of his game against Alabama where he dropped 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, completely dominating a SEC opponent. His athletic measurements told part of the story—a 42-inch vertical leap and explosive first step that left defenders grasping at air—but what truly set him apart was his court vision. The way he could thread passes through impossible windows reminded me of watching young Steve Nash, but with superior athleticism.
What many casual observers missed was how Morant's game translated beyond just highlight reels. His player efficiency rating of 32.8 during his final college season placed him in rarefied air, higher than Zion Williamson's 31.9 at Duke. While Williamson received most media attention, those of us who tracked advanced metrics recognized Morant's unique potential. I remember arguing with colleagues who questioned his competition level, pointing out how he elevated his entire team—Murray State improved from 16-17 to 28-5 during his two seasons. That transformational impact signaled something special that went beyond conference strength.
The draft combine only confirmed what game tape suggested. Morant's lane agility time of 10.42 seconds ranked in the 94th percentile for point guards, while his standing vertical of 31 inches demonstrated the explosive power that would become his trademark. Still, some scouts worried about his slender frame and turnover rate—4.8 per game in his final college season—but I saw those turnovers differently. They stemmed from ambition, from attempting passes others wouldn't dare, much like a young Jason Kidd. His risk-taking represented potential rather than limitation, the kind of creativity that can't be coached.
When Memphis ultimately selected him, I believed they weren't just getting a player but a franchise cornerstone. The Grizzlies had finished 33-49 the previous season, and their point guard situation featured Mike Conley approaching his decline phase. Morant represented not just an upgrade but a complete philosophical shift. His style—pushing tempo, attacking the rim fearlessly, creating for others—would redefine their identity. I predicted he'd average at least 17 points and 7 assists as a rookie, though he ultimately surpassed even those optimistic projections.
What made Morant particularly compelling was how his game translated immediately to NBA pace and physicality. Within his first month, he recorded 30 points and 9 assists against Brooklyn, outplaying Kyrie Irving in their matchup. His rookie season averages of 17.8 points and 7.3 assists earned him Rookie of the Year honors, validating the hype while somehow still feeling somewhat undervalued given his impact. The Grizzlies improved to 34-39 in his first season despite being projected to win only 27 games by most analysts.
Reflecting on that 2019 draft class now, Morant's development trajectory has exceeded even my most optimistic assessments. While Zion Williamson's health concerns have limited his availability, Morant has started 85% of possible games while elevating Memphis to playoff contention. His combination of athletic daring and basketball IQ represents the modern NBA point guard ideal—someone who can posterize centers one possession and dissect defenses with precision passing the next. The Grizzlies' decision to build around him looks increasingly prescient with each passing season.
There's an undeniable excitement that follows Morant, something that transcends statistics and highlight plays. It's the same feeling I get when watching truly special players—that sense of witnessing history unfold. The 2019 draft contained several franchise-altering talents, but Morant's combination of immediate impact and long-term potential made him the most exciting selection, the kind of player who doesn't just change games but changes how we think about what's possible in basketball. Years later, that initial assessment holds stronger than ever—the Grizzlies didn't just get a good player, they found someone who could redefine their entire organization.