Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ja Morant

Discover the career path of Ja Morant, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player renowned for his dynamic play with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His ascent to prominence began during his college career at Murray State University, where he earned consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019. Known for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities, Morant quickly established himself as a key player for the Grizzlies, garnering attention for his scoring and highlight-reel dunks. He has since become one of the faces of the franchise and a rising star in the league.

Sections (4)

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

1998: NBA Draft Mention

In January 2019, Pat Forde mentioned Michael Olowokandi of Pacific, who went No. 1 in the 1998 NBA draft.

February 2007: Mike Miller's Record

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

November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State with 7 points and 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 Scoring Game

On February 1, 2018, Ja Morant scored a season-high 23 points against Southeast Missouri State.

November 24, 2018: 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 Pick

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

2018: AAU Teammate with Zion Williamson

In 2018, Ja Morant was teammates with Zion Williamson on the South Carolina Hornets in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit.

January 2019: Projected 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 the Grizzlies

On July 2, 2019, Ja Morant signed a four-year contract worth $39.6 million with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his entry into the NBA.

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2019, Ja Morant made his NBA debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, starting in a game against the Miami Heat where he recorded 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

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 enter the 2019 NBA draft, forgoing his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility.

2019: NBA Draft Announcement

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: Drafted by the Grizzlies

In 2019, Ja Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the NBA draft, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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 Scoring Game

On December 23, 2020, Ja Morant recorded a then career-high 44 points, alongside nine assists, two rebounds, and two steals in a 131–119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

2020: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2020, Ja Morant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and impact during his first year in the league.

May 21, 2021: Play-In Tournament Victory

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

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, 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: Postseason Triple-Double

On April 21, 2022, Ja Morant posted 16 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 104–95 Game 3 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking 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, with a potential increase to $231 million if he is selected for an All-NBA team.

2022: NBA All-Star and Most Improved Player

In 2022, Ja Morant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game and won the NBA Most Improved Player Award, highlighting his growth and achievements in the league. He was also 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, making him the first Grizzlies player 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 head coach during his tenure with the team, with nine games remaining in the 2024–25 regular season.