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 during his college basketball career at Murray State University, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019. Morant is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the NBA. His impact on the Grizzlies has been significant, leading the team to playoff contention.

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 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 and 12 rebounds in a loss to Saint Louis.

February 1, 2018: Season-High 23 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 became the first Murray State player to ever record multiple triple-doubles with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win over Missouri State.

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: Potential First Overall Pick

In late January 2019, Ja Morant was forecasted as the potential first overall selection in the 2019 NBA draft.

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 loss to the Miami Heat.

2019: Declared for NBA Draft

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.

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 in the NBA

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 Tournament 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 their first postseason berth in four seasons.

June 1, 2021: Moneybagg Yo releases "Rookie of the Year"

On June 1, 2021, rapper Moneybagg Yo released the song "Rookie of the Year" in celebration of Ja Morant being named NBA Rookie of the Year. The song reflects on Morant's journey.

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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 and six assists in a 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 recorded 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 extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. The deal guarantees 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 Most Improved Player Award

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. 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 with 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 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, ending his season with 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. The dismissal occurred with nine games remaining in the 2024–25 regular season, despite the team's strong 44–29 record and near-secured entry into the 2025 NBA playoffs. Following the firing, frustrations arose within the team, particularly from Morant, who expressed dissatisfaction with his decreased touches, points, and efficiency.