Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies. He earned first-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for the Murray State Racers.
1984: Second Triple-Double in School History
Ja Morant's triple-double on December 28, 2017, was only the second in Murray State's history, the first being achieved by Isacc Miles in 1984.
1996: Breaking School Assist Record
Ja Morant broke the Murray State single-season assist record of 212, set by Chad Townsend in the 1996–97 season, on February 2, 2019.
1998: Potential High Pick From a Mid-Major School
In late January 2019, some journalists, including Pat Forde, highlighted the possibility of Ja Morant becoming the first top-five pick from a mid-major school since Michael Olowokandi in 1998.
August 10, 1999: Ja Morant's Birth
Ja Morant was born on August 10, 1999.
1999: Assist Record at CFSB Center
On December 28, 2017, Ja Morant set a record for most assists in a game at the CFSB Center, surpassing the previous record of 12 assists established by Aubrey Reese in 1999.
February 2007: Morant Breaks Grizzlies' Scoring Record
In February 2007, Mike Miller set a scoring record for the Grizzlies, a record that Ja Morant would later surpass during his career.
2012: First Triple-Double Since Draymond Green
Ja Morant's triple-double in the 2019 NCAA Tournament marked the first time a player achieved this since Draymond Green in 2012.
July 2016: Discovered by Murray State
In July 2016, Ja Morant was serendipitously discovered by Murray State assistant coach James Kane while playing a three-on-three game.
September 3, 2016: Commitment to Murray State
Ja Morant made the decision to play basketball for Murray State on September 3, 2016, during a dinner at coach Matt McMahon's residence.
November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut
Ja Morant made his debut for Murray State on November 10, 2017, contributing 7 points and a team-leading 11 assists in a commanding 118-61 victory against Brescia University.
December 12, 2017: First Career Double-Double
On December 12, 2017, Ja Morant achieved his first career double-double, recording 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in a game against Saint Louis.
2017: Limited NCAA Division I Offers
Despite his talent, Ja Morant only received one high major NCAA Division I offer, which came from South Carolina, in 2017.
February 1, 2018: Season-High Score
Ja Morant scored a season-high 23 points against Southeast Missouri State on February 1, 2018.
November 24, 2018: Multiple Triple-Doubles
Ja Morant became the first Murray State player to record multiple triple-doubles on November 24, 2018, when he achieved 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.
December 2018: Top-Five NBA Draft Projection
By December 2018, scouts widely projected Ja Morant to be a top-five selection in the 2019 NBA draft.
2018: Teammate with Zion Williamson
During his time in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit with the South Carolina Hornets, Ja Morant played alongside Zion Williamson, who later became a top prospect in the 2018 class.
January 10, 2019: John R. Wooden Award Watchlist
Ja Morant was named to the midseason top 25 watch list for the John R. Wooden Award on January 10, 2019.
January 2019: Potential First Overall Pick
By late January 2019, some analysts even predicted that Ja Morant could be the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
July 2, 2019: Morant Signs with the Memphis Grizzlies
On July 2, 2019, Ja Morant officially joined the Memphis Grizzlies after signing a four-year contract worth $39.6 million.
October 23, 2019: Morant Makes his NBA Debut
Ja Morant began his NBA journey on October 23, 2019, starting for the Grizzlies in a game against the Miami Heat, unfortunately resulting in a loss.
2019: NCAA Tournament Triple-Double
During the 2019 NCAA tournament, Ja Morant became the eighth player in history to record a triple-double in the tournament, achieving this feat in the first round against Marquette.
2019: NBA Draft Selection
In 2019, Ja Morant was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the NBA draft.
2019: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
Ja Morant was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2019-20 season, marking a significant milestone in his career.
2019: Birth of Morant's daughter
Ja Morant's daughter was born in 2019.
2019: First Team All-American Honors
During his sophomore year in 2019, Ja Morant earned consensus first-team All-American honors while playing for Murray State Racers.
2019: Morant Declares for the NBA Draft
After Murray State's loss in the 2019 NCAA tournament, Ja Morant decided to enter the 2019 NBA Draft instead of playing his final two years of college.
February 9, 2020: Morant's First Triple-Double
On February 9, 2020, Ja Morant achieved his first triple-double, showcasing his all-around skills in a win against the Washington Wizards.
December 23, 2020: Morant Scores Career-High 44 Points
Ja Morant set a new personal best on December 23, 2020, scoring 44 points against the San Antonio Spurs, although the Grizzlies didn't secure the win.
2020: NBA Rookie of the Year
Ja Morant received the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2020.
May 21, 2021: Morant Leads Grizzlies to First Playoff Appearance in Four Seasons
On May 21, 2021, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies to a crucial win against the Golden State Warriors, securing their first playoff berth in four seasons.
June 1, 2021: Rapper Moneybagg Yo's release of 'Rookie of the Year'
On June 1, 2021, rapper Moneybagg Yo released the song 'Rookie of the Year' to celebrate Ja Morant being named NBA Rookie of the Year. The song highlights Morant's underdog mentality and his rise from a little-known college freshman to NBA Rookie of the Year in the 2019-20 season.
June 3, 2021: Release of Promiseland documentary
On June 3, 2021, Ja Morant released a six-episode documentary titled Promiseland, which focuses on his first NBA season.
October 20, 2021: Morant Starts Season Strong with 37 Points
On October 20, 2021, Ja Morant started the season with a strong performance, scoring 37 points in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
April 21, 2022: Morant Achieves First Playoff Triple-Double in Grizzlies History
Ja Morant achieved a historic milestone on April 21, 2022, recording the first playoff triple-double for the Grizzlies in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
July 6, 2022: Morant Signs Five-Year Extension with Grizzlies
On July 6, 2022, Ja Morant committed to a long-term future with the Memphis Grizzlies, signing a five-year extension with the team.
September 2022: Lawsuit for alleged assault
In September 2022, Ja Morant was named a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Shelby County, Tennessee. The plaintiff accused Morant of punching a 17-year-old male during a pickup basketball game at Morant's home in July. Morant claimed self-defense, and the district attorney's office found insufficient evidence to proceed with a case.
2022: NBA All-Star Game Selection and Awards
In 2022, Morant achieved several milestones: his first NBA All-Star Game appearance as a starter, winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award, and being selected to his first All-NBA Team.
January 29, 2023: Morant Achieves Seventh Triple-Double and Franchise Record
Ja Morant's seventh career triple-double on January 29, 2023, was a historic one for the Grizzlies, as he became the first player in franchise history with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game.
February 5, 2023: Report of Altercation Involving Morant and Pacers
On February 5, 2023, a report emerged detailing an altercation involving Ja Morant, his associates, and members of the Indiana Pacers during a game on January 29, highlighting a controversial incident.
March 1, 2023: Washington Post report on altercation and gun threat
On March 1, 2023, The Washington Post detailed an incident where Ja Morant allegedly showed a gun after an altercation with a 17-year-old at his home. The report also mentioned a previous threat he made to a head of security at a Memphis mall. The 17-year-old's mother filed a police report, and the head of security felt threatened by Morant's words.
March 4, 2023: NBA investigation and Morant's hiatus
On March 4, 2023, the NBA launched an investigation into an Instagram Live video showing Ja Morant displaying a gun at a Colorado nightclub. Following the incident, the Grizzlies announced Morant would be away from the team for at least two games. Morant released a statement announcing an indefinite leave to address his mental health and deactivated his social media accounts. Nike released a supportive statement, and Morant reportedly entered a counseling program in Florida.
March 6, 2023: Police investigation in Glendale, Colorado
On March 6, 2023, the Glendale, Colorado police began investigating Ja Morant after he allegedly flashed a gun in a strip club on an Instagram live stream. Two days later, the department announced that Morant would not face criminal charges due to a lack of probable cause.
December 19, 2023: Morant's return from suspension and game-winning performance
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, leading the Grizzlies to a 115–113 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
January 8, 2024: 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.