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 for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He gained recognition playing college basketball for Murray State, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019. Known for his athleticism and playmaking abilities, Morant quickly became a prominent figure in the NBA.
1998: Last Mid-Major First Pick
In 1998, Michael Olowokandi of Pacific was the last true mid-major pick in the top five of the NBA draft.
February 2007: Previous Grizzlies Record
In February 2007, Mike Miller set the previous record for most points in a game by a Grizzlies player.
November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut
On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State, scoring 7 points and providing a team-high 11 assists in a win against 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 in 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 became the first Murray State player to ever 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.
January 2019: Potential First Overall Pick
In late January 2019, at least one outlet forecasted Ja Morant 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 loss to the Miami Heat, scoring 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
2019: Declared for NBA Draft
Following Murray State's loss in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Ja Morant announced his intention to declare for the 2019 NBA draft.
2019: Drafted by Grizzlies
In 2019, Morant was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
February 9, 2020: First NBA Triple-Double
On February 9, 2020, Ja Morant recorded his first career triple-double in a 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 Victory
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 a playoff spot.
June 3, 2021: Morant Releases "Promiseland" Documentary
On June 3, 2021, Ja Morant released a six-episode documentary titled "Promiseland", which focused on his first NBA season and provided insights into his life and career.
October 20, 2021: Season Opener Win
On October 20, 2021, Ja Morant recorded 37 points and six assists in a 132–121 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Grizzlies' season opener.
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.
July 6, 2022: Morant signed five-year extension with the Grizzlies
On July 6, 2022, Ja Morant signed a five-year extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, guaranteeing him $193 million, potentially increasing to $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team.
2022: Named NBA All-Star
In 2022, Ja Morant was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter. Also 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, becoming the first Grizzlies player to reach 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, scoring 27 of his 34 points in the second half and making the game-winning shot in a 115–113 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
