Rookie Review: Strong start has Rui Hachimura among top rookies

Ja Morant

Taken number two overall

Memphis shipped out point guard Mike Conley which signaled the sign of a rebuild. Memphis started the rebuild buy drafting point guard Ja Morant number two overall. Through five games, Morant has started to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Morant is also shooting 53.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep. It’s safe to say, Memphis is happy with the current performance from their point guard of the future.

Morant has already added a highlight to his young career. We’re two weeks into the season and this rookie has already had a “moment.”

On October 27th against the Brooklyn Nets, Morant blocked Kyrie Irving’s attempt at a game-winner, sending the game to overtime. I’ll say that again. The rookie Ja Morant blocked All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, one of the NBA’s best and most creative scorers, as he attempted a game-winning shot.

https://twitter.com/DefPenHoops/status/1188613611633233921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1188613611633233921&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnba.nbcsports.com%2F2019%2F10%2F28%2Fja-morant-blocks-kyrie-irving-to-force-ot-dishes-game-winning-assist-video%2F

But wait, Morant wasn’t finished. He then assisted on Jae Crowder’s game-winning three in OT to cap off an excellent night. He finished the game with 30 points, four rebounds, and nine assists.

Morant is a pass-first point guard whose coach wants him to score more. Over time, the second overall pick will find the right blend between playmaking and scoring, which in turn will elevate the entire offense.