There were plenty of surprises in this year’s NBA GM survey. 

For whatever reason, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is considered a breakout candidate for the 2024-25 season. Jalen Williams occupies the top spot, but Morant is tied with Evan Mobley and Victor Wenbenyama for second place. Orlando Magic up-and-comer Paolo Banchero rounds out the Top five. 

Why is this shocking? Well, considering Morant has established himself as a big-time NBA talent, it’s odd that 10% of GMs believe he’s still somewhat of an unproven player. Judging by Morant’s response to the list on X, the two-time All-star wholeheartedly agrees.

“Respectfully.. Why I’m on here?” Morant wrote on Wednesday. 

Morant entered the NBA in 2019 after a remarkable sophomore season at Murray State and immediately put the league on notice. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game in Year 1, which earned him the Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season. 

The No. 2 overall pick upped his scoring to 19.1 points and dished out 7.4 assists during his second season in Memphis, but he ascended to superstar status as a third-year guard. 

During the Grizzlies’ 2021-22 campaign, Morant joined the 20+ points per game club, received the Most Improved Player award, and made his first All-Star appearance at age 22. More impressively, Morant’s praiseworthy play on the hardwood resulted in a successful season for Memphis.

Morant led the Grizzlies to a 56-26 regular season record and first-round postseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The above-the-rim athlete’s jaw-dropping one-handed cock-back slam over Malik Beasley was undoubtedly the highlight of the series. 

Morant reached his second All-Star game the following year and guided Memphis back to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. During the Grizzlies’ offseason, Morant was caught flashing a weapon on Instagram Live and served a 25-game suspension during the 2023-24 season. 

He made several eyebrow-raising plays on the offensive end, but a severe shoulder subluxation/labral tear ended his season in January.

Does Morant have something to prove this year? Yes, which ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson wisely pointed out in September. Morant must return to the hardwood and remind the public he’s a special player with an extraordinarily high ceiling.

Is Morant in need of a breakout season? No, because he’s a Tier 3-4 guard in the NBA based on his skill set and resume. 

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