History of Ja Morant in Timeline

Temetrius Jamel "Ja" Morant is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He gained prominence playing college basketball for the Murray State Racers, earning consensus first-team All-American honors during his sophomore year in 2019. Known for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities, Morant is a key player for the Grizzlies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: Isacc Miles Triple-Double

In 1984, Isacc Miles recorded the first triple-double in Murray State school history.

1996: Chad Townsend's Assist Record

In the 1996-97 season, Chad Townsend set a school single-season assist record of 212 assists.

August 10, 1999: Ja Morant's Birth

On August 10, 1999, Temetrius Jamel Morant was born. He is now known as a professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Aubrey Reese Assist Record

In 1999, Aubrey Reese set the old record for most assists with 12 at a CFSB Center game against Alabama State.

February 2007: Mike Miller's Grizzlies Scoring Record

In February 2007, Mike Miller set the record for most points in a game by a Grizzlies player.

2012: Draymond Green's Triple-Double

In 2012, Draymond Green recorded a triple-double in the NCAA tournament.

July 2016: Discovered by Murray State

In July 2016, Ja Morant was accidentally discovered by Murray State's assistant coach James Kane at a camp.

September 3, 2016: Commitment to Murray State

On September 3, 2016, Ja Morant committed to playing for Murray State during dinner at Matt McMahon's house.

November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State with 7 points and 11 assists in a victory over Brescia University.

December 12, 2017: First Career Double-Double

On December 12, 2017, Ja Morant recorded his first career double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in a loss to Saint Louis.

2017: Unranked Recruit

In 2017, Ja Morant was not ranked by recruiting services like ESPN, 247Sports, or Rivals.

February 1, 2018: Season-High Points

On February 1, 2018, Ja Morant scored a season-high 23 points against Southeast Missouri State.

November 24, 2018: First Multiple Triple-Double

On November 24, 2018, Ja Morant posted 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, becoming the first Murray State player to record multiple triple-doubles.

December 2018: Projected Top-Five Pick

Around December 2018, Ja Morant was almost unanimously projected as a top-five selection in the 2019 NBA draft.

2018: AAU Teammate with Zion Williamson

In 2018, Ja Morant was teammates with Zion Williamson in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit with the South Carolina Hornets.

January 10, 2019: Wooden Award Watch List

On January 10, 2019, Ja Morant was named to the midseason top 25 watch list for the John R. Wooden Award. On the same day, he broke the school record for most assists in a single game, with 18, while scoring 26 points against UT Martin.

January 2019: Projected First Overall Pick

In late January 2019, at least one outlet forecasted Ja Morant as the first overall selection in the NBA draft.

July 2, 2019: Signs with Memphis Grizzlies

On July 2, 2019, Ja Morant signed a four-year contract worth $39.6 million with the Memphis Grizzlies.

August 7, 2019: Morant's Daughter Born

On August 7, 2019, Ja Morant's daughter was born.

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2019, Ja Morant made his NBA debut for the Memphis Grizzlies in a game against the Miami Heat, scoring 14 points.

2019: Declares for NBA Draft

Following Murray State's loss in the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament, Ja Morant announced his intention to forgo his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2019 NBA draft.

2019: All-American Selection

In 2019, Ja Morant was a consensus first-team All-American as a sophomore while playing college basketball for the Murray State Racers.

2019: OVC Player of the Year and NCAA Tournament

In 2019, Ja Morant was named OVC Player of the Year and led the NCAA Division I in assists. Murray State also advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

February 9, 2020: First Career Triple-Double in the NBA

On February 9, 2020, Ja Morant recorded his first career triple-double in a 106–99 win over the Washington Wizards.

December 23, 2020: Career-High 44 Points

On December 23, 2020, Ja Morant recorded a then career-high 44 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

2020: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2020, Ja Morant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

May 21, 2021: Play-In Tournament Victory

On May 21, 2021, Ja Morant led Memphis to a 117–112 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, securing a playoff spot.

June 1, 2021: Moneybagg Yo releases song in celebration of Morant

On June 1, 2021, rapper Moneybagg Yo released the song "Rookie of the Year" in celebration of Ja Morant being named NBA Rookie of the Year, praising his rise from a little-known college freshman.

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June 3, 2021: Morant releases documentary Promiseland

On June 3, 2021, Ja Morant released a six-episode documentary titled "Promiseland", which focuses on his first NBA season.

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October 20, 2021: Season Opener Performance

On October 20, 2021, in the Grizzlies' season opener, Ja Morant recorded 37 points and six assists in a 132–121 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

April 21, 2022: First Postseason Triple-Double

On April 21, 2022, Ja Morant recorded the first postseason triple-double in Grizzlies franchise history in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with 16 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

July 6, 2022: Morant signs five-year extension with the Grizzlies

On July 6, 2022, Ja Morant signed a five-year contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, guaranteeing him $193 million, potentially reaching $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team.

September 2022: Morant named defendant in lawsuit for allegedly punching a minor

In September 2022, Ja Morant was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, accusing him of punching a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game at his home in July. Morant claimed self-defense, and the district attorney's office stated there was not enough evidence to proceed with a case.

2022: NBA All-Star and Most Improved Player

In 2022, Ja Morant was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter. At the end of the season, Morant won the NBA Most Improved Player Award and was selected to his first All-NBA Team.

January 29, 2023: Morant records seventh career triple-double

On January 29, 2023, Ja Morant achieved his seventh career triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a win against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first time in Grizzlies history that a player has recorded at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game.

February 5, 2023: Report of Altercation Between Morant's Associates and Indiana Pacers Released

On February 5, 2023, The Athletic released a report detailing an altercation on January 29 between associates of Ja Morant and members of the Indiana Pacers, involving verbal exchanges, physical engagement attempts, and the removal of Davonte Pack, an associate of Morant, from the game.

March 1, 2023: Report details mall incident and alleged gun display

On March 1, 2023, The Washington Post released a report detailing an incident where Ja Morant allegedly brandished a gun after an altercation involving his mother at a Finish Line store inside a mall in Memphis. Morant allegedly threatened the head of security at the mall, and the head of security felt threatened and intended to file a report on the incident.

March 4, 2023: NBA Investigates Instagram Live Video, Morant to be Away from Grizzlies

On March 4, 2023, the NBA launched an investigation into an Instagram Live video showing Ja Morant displaying a gun at a Colorado nightclub, leading to the Grizzlies announcing Morant would be away from the team for at least two games. Morant stated he would be leaving the team for an "indefinite amount of time", with Nike releasing a statement supporting his prioritization of his well-being.

March 6, 2023: Police investigate Morant for allegedly flashing gun in strip club

On March 6, 2023, the police department of Glendale, Colorado, started investigating Ja Morant after he allegedly flashed a gun in a strip club on an Instagram live stream.

December 19, 2023: Morant returns from suspension with game-winning shot

On December 19, 2023, Ja Morant returned from suspension and scored 27 of his 34 points in the second half, making the game-winning shot in a 115–113 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 8, 2024: Morant to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

On January 8, 2024, it was reported that Ja Morant would undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery after sustaining a subluxation during team practice, which ended his season after only nine games.

March 28, 2025: Grizzlies fire coach Taylor Jenkins

On March 28, 2025, the Grizzlies fired coach Taylor Jenkins, who had been Ja Morant's only head coach during his tenure with the team. This occurred with only nine games remaining in the 2024-25 regular season, despite the team nearing entry into the 2025 NBA playoffs with a 44–29 record.

April 1, 2025: Morant and Hield make gun-aiming gestures, league investigates

On April 1, 2025, Ja Morant and Buddy Hield made gun-aiming gestures at one another, prompting a league investigation which concluded the celebrations were not intended to be violent. Warnings were issued. Morant later said he was "pretty much a villain" and "don't care no more."