History of Ja Morant in Timeline

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

1984: Triple-Double Record

In 1984, Isacc Miles recorded the first triple-double in Murray State history.

1996: Single Season Assist Record

In January 2019, Ja Morant broke the school single-season assist record of 212 set by Chad Townsend in the 1996–97 season.

1998: NBA Draft Mention

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

August 10, 1999: Ja Morant's Birth

On August 10, 1999, Temetrius Jamel "Ja" Morant was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Assists Record

In 1999, Aubrey Reese set the record for most assists at a CFSB Center game with 12 against Alabama State.

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.

2012: NBA Tournament Reference

In March 2019, Ja Morant became the first player since Draymond Green in 2012 to record a triple-double in the NCAA Tournament.

July 2016: Discovered by Murray State

In July 2016, Ja Morant was accidentally discovered by Murray State's assistant coach James Kane at a camp while Kane was looking for a snack. Kane was impressed by Morant playing a three-on-three game and offered him a scholarship.

September 3, 2016: Commitment to Murray State

On September 3, 2016, Ja Morant committed to playing basketball for Murray State during a dinner at coach Matt McMahon's house, choosing the program where he was wanted.

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.

2017: Unranked Recruit

In 2017, Ja Morant was not ranked by recruiting services like ESPN, 247Sports, or Rivals, and received only one high major NCAA Division I offer from South Carolina.

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 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: 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.

August 7, 2019: Morant's Daughter Born

On August 7, 2019, Ja Morant's daughter was born.

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: All-American Honor

In 2019, Ja Morant was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American during his sophomore year while playing college basketball for the Murray State Racers.

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 1, 2021: Moneybagg Yo Releases "Rookie of the Year" in Honor of Morant

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 reflected 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, 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.

September 2022: Morant Named Defendant in Lawsuit

In September 2022, Ja Morant was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, where the plaintiff accused him of punching a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game at Morant's home in July of that year.

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.

February 5, 2023: Report Released on Altercation Involving Morant Associates and Pacers

On February 5, 2023, a report by The Athletic detailed an altercation between Ja Morant's associates and members of the Indiana Pacers, stemming from a verbal exchange between Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and Morant's father during their game on January 29, 2023. The altercation escalated involving multiple individuals and resulted in Davonte Pack, an associate of Morant, being removed from the game.

March 1, 2023: Report Details Altercation and Allegations Against Morant

On March 1, 2023, The Washington Post released a report that detailed an incident from July 2022, where Ja Morant allegedly came out of his house with a gun after an altercation with a 17-year-old. The report also detailed a separate incident four days before the altercation where Morant allegedly threatened a head of security at a mall in Memphis.

March 4, 2023: NBA Investigates Morant for Displaying Gun in Instagram Live Video

On March 4, 2023, the NBA launched an investigation into an Instagram Live video of Ja Morant displaying a gun at a Colorado nightclub. The Grizzlies announced he would be away from the team, and Morant stated he would leave the team for an "indefinite amount of time" to find resources to handle his well-being. He also deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Shoe company Nike released a statement of support. Morant reportedly entered a counseling program in Florida.

March 6, 2023: Police Investigate Morant for Allegedly Flashing Gun in Strip Club

On March 6, 2023, the Glendale, Colorado, police department initiated an investigation into Ja Morant after he allegedly flashed a gun in a strip club during an Instagram live stream.

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.

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 head coach during his tenure with the team, with nine games remaining in the 2024–25 regular season.

April 1, 2025: Morant and Hield Make Gun-Aiming Gestures, League Investigates

On April 1, 2025, Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield made gun-aiming gestures at one another, prompting a league investigation. The league concluded that "the celebrations were not intended to be violent in nature, but inappropriate." Morant and Hield received warnings about their conduct.