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. Known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking abilities, Morant played college basketball at Murray State University, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019. He was drafted second overall by the Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA draft and quickly established himself as a key player, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2020. Morant has led the Grizzlies to playoff contention, showcasing his scoring, passing, and rebounding skills.

Sections (4)

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

February 2007: Mike Miller's Grizzlies Record

In February 2007, Mike Miller set the record for most points in a game by a Grizzlies player. This record was later broken by Ja Morant in February 2022.

2012: Triple-Double in NCAA Tournament

On March 21, 2019, Ja Morant became the eighth player to officially record a triple-double in the history of the NCAA tournament, and the first player since Draymond Green in 2012.

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 118-61 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 69–55 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-Doubles

On November 24, 2018, Ja Morant posted 29 points, a season-high 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 77–66 win over Missouri State, becoming the first Murray State player to ever record multiple triple-doubles.

December 2018: Projected Top-Five NBA Draft Selection

By 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.

July 2, 2019: Signed with the 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: Declared for the 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: Morant NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2019, Ja Morant was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

2019: Drafted by the Grizzlies

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

February 9, 2020: First Career Triple-Double

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 Win

On May 21, 2021, in the play-in tournament, Ja Morant recorded 35 points to lead Memphis to a 117–112 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, securing a playoff berth.

June 3, 2021: Morant Releases Documentary "Promiseland"

On June 3, 2021, Ja Morant released a six-episode documentary titled "Promiseland," focusing 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 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 his first postseason triple-double 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, guaranteeing him $193 million, which could increase to $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, 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 a 112–100 victory over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first player in Grizzlies history to achieve 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 made his return from suspension, scoring 27 of his 34 points in the second half and hitting 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, with only nine games remaining in the 2024–25 regular season. This dismissal led to frustrations from team members regarding changes in the team's dynamic.