Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ja Morant

Discover the career path of Ja Morant, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.