History of Ja Morant in Timeline

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

1984: First Triple-Double in school history

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

1996: School single-season assist record

In the 1996-97 season Chad Townsend set the school single-season assist record of 212.

1998: Mid-Major Top Pick

In 1998, Michael Olowokandi of Pacific was the No. 1 NBA draft pick.

August 10, 1999: Ja Morant's Birth

On August 10, 1999, Temetrius Jamel Morant, known as Ja Morant, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Assist record

In 1999, Aubrey Reese set the assist record at a CFSB Center game, surpassing the old mark of 12 established by Aubrey Reese against Alabama State.

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.

2012: Draymond Green's Triple-Double

In 2012, Draymond Green recorded 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.

September 3, 2016: Committed to Murray State

On September 3, 2016, Ja Morant committed to playing for Murray State during dinner at Matt McMahon's house.

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.

2017: Unranked Recruit

In 2017, Ja Morant was not ranked by recruiting services ESPN, 247Sports, or Rivals.

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.

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).

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.

August 7, 2019: Morant's daughter is born

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

Others born on this day/year

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.

September 2022: Morant sued for allegedly punching a minor

In September 2022, Ja Morant was named a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Shelby County, Tennessee. The suit alleged that he punched a 17-year-old male during a pickup basketball game at his home in July 2022. Morant claimed self-defense, and the district attorney's office stated there was not enough evidence to proceed with a case.

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.

February 5, 2023: Report describes altercation between Morant's associates and Pacers

On February 5, 2023, The Athletic released a report detailing an altercation between Ja Morant's associates and members of the Indiana Pacers, following their game on January 29. The incident involved verbal exchanges between Morant's father and Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, as well as Pacers guard Chris Duarte attempting a physical altercation with Morant. Pacers forward James Johnson also had words with Davonte Pack, an associate of Morant, who was then removed from the game.

March 1, 2023: Report details Morant's alleged altercation and threat

On March 1, 2023, The Washington Post released a report detailing a July 2022 incident where Ja Morant allegedly went inside his house after an altercation and came out with a gun tucked in his waistband. The report also described an incident four days prior where Morant allegedly threatened a head of security at a mall after his mother had a verbal altercation with an employee at a Finish Line store. Morant allegedly stated, "Let me find out what time he gets off."

March 4, 2023: NBA investigates Morant's gun display

On March 4, 2023, the NBA launched an investigation into an Instagram Live video showing Ja Morant displaying a gun at a Colorado nightclub. The Grizzlies announced Morant would be away from the team for at least two games, and Morant stated he would be leaving the team for an "indefinite amount of time" to address his well-being. He also deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Shoe company Nike expressed support for Morant's prioritization of his well-being.

March 6, 2023: Police investigate Morant for allegedly flashing a gun

On March 6, 2023, the police department of Glendale, Colorado, began investigating Ja Morant after he allegedly flashed a gun in a strip club on an Instagram live stream. Two days later, it was announced that Morant would not face criminal charges.

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.

April 1, 2025: Morant makes gun-aiming gestures

On April 1, 2025, Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield made gun-aiming gestures at one another. The league investigated but determined the celebrations were not violent. Warnings were issued to both players. Morant later made gun-aiming gestures again on April 3 and was fined $75,000 for his disregard of the warning.