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 recognition for his outstanding performance at Murray State University, where he earned consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019 during his sophomore year. He is known for his athleticism and exciting playing style.

Sections (4)

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

July 2016: Discovered by Murray State

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

September 3, 2016: Commits to Murray State

On September 3, 2016, Ja Morant committed to play for Murray State during dinner at head coach 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 win 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 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, posting 29 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists against Missouri State.

December 2018: Projected Top-Five NBA Draft Selection

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

July 2, 2019: Signs 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, recording 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block.

2019: NBA Draft Declaration

Following Murray State's loss in the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament, Ja Morant announced his intention to declare for the 2019 NBA draft.

2019: All-American Selection

In 2019, Ja Morant was a consensus first-team All-American as a sophomore at Murray State.

February 9, 2020: First Career 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 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 Win

On May 21, 2021, Ja Morant led Memphis to a play-in tournament win over the Golden State Warriors, securing the Grizzlies' first postseason berth in four seasons.

June 3, 2021: Morant Releases Documentary Promiseland

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, Ja Morant recorded 37 points and six assists in a 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 in a 104–95 Game 3 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, achieving the first postseason triple-double in Grizzlies franchise history.

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, guaranteeing him $193 million, which could increase to $231 million if he is selected for an All-NBA team.

2022: First NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team Selection

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.

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 hitting a 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, concluding his season after only nine games played.

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, with only nine games remaining in the 2024–25 regular season.