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 a professional basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He gained prominence during his college basketball career at Murray State University, where his outstanding performance led to him being recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 2019. Morant is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, quickly becoming a key player for the Grizzlies and a rising star in the league. He was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Sections (4)

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

November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State, scoring 7 points and achieving a team-high 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.

February 1, 2018: Season-High Score

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 recorded 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win over Missouri State, becoming the first Murray State player to record multiple triple-doubles.

December 2018: Projected Top-Five NBA Draft Pick

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

January 10, 2019: Wooden Award Watch List and Assist Record

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

January 2019: Projected First Overall NBA Draft Pick

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

July 2, 2019: Signed with 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, where he scored 14 points, had 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

2019: Declared 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 Honors

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

2019: Drafted by Grizzlies

In 2019, Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the NBA draft.

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

On February 9, 2020, Ja Morant recorded his first career triple-double in the NBA during a win against the Washington Wizards.

December 23, 2020: Career-High 44 Points

On December 23, 2020, Ja Morant recorded a then career-high 44 points, along with nine assists, two rebounds, and two steals 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 Win

On May 21, 2021, Ja Morant led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 117–112 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, securing their first postseason berth in four seasons. He recorded 35 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

June 3, 2021: Morant releases 'Promiseland' documentary

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

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, during Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs, Ja Morant posted 16 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving the first postseason triple-double in Grizzlies franchise history in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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

On July 6, 2022, Ja Morant signed a five-year contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. The deal guarantees him $193 million, which could increase to $231 million if he is selected to an All-NBA team.

2022: All-Star and Most Improved Player

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

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

On January 29, 2023, Ja Morant recorded his seventh career triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in the Grizzlies' 112–100 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He also became the first player in Grizzlies history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game.

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

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