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 prominence during his college basketball career at Murray State University, where his outstanding performance led to him being recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 2019. Morant is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, quickly becoming a key player for the Grizzlies and a rising star in the league. He was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Sections (4)

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

1984: Isacc Miles' Triple-Double

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

1996: Chad Townsend's Assist Record

In the 1996-97 season, Chad Townsend set the Murray State single-season assist record with 212 assists.

1998: Michael Olowokandi Drafted #1

In 1998, Michael Olowokandi of Pacific was drafted number 1 overall.

August 10, 1999: Ja Morant Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1999: Aubrey Reese's Assist 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 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 while Kane was looking for a snack.

September 3, 2016: Commitment to Murray State

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

November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State, scoring 7 points and achieving a team-high 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, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in a loss to Saint Louis.

2017: Unranked Recruit

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

February 1, 2018: Season-High Score

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

November 24, 2018: First Multiple Triple-Double

On November 24, 2018, Ja Morant recorded 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win over Missouri State, becoming the first Murray State player to record multiple triple-doubles.

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 played in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit with the South Carolina Hornets and was teammates with Zion Williamson for one season.

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 NBA Draft Pick

In late January 2019, Ja Morant was forecasted by at least one outlet as the first overall selection in the 2019 NBA draft.

July 2, 2019: Signed with 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.

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

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

2019: Declared for NBA Draft

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 Honors

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

2019: Drafted by Grizzlies

In 2019, 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 the NBA during a win against the Washington Wizards.

December 23, 2020: Career-High 44 Points

On December 23, 2020, Ja Morant recorded a then career-high 44 points, along with nine assists, two rebounds, and two steals 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 Win

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. He recorded 35 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

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 reflecting on Morant's "underdog mentality and praises his rise from a little known college freshman to being named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2019–20".

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June 3, 2021: Morant releases 'Promiseland' documentary

On June 3, 2021, Ja Morant released "Promiseland", a six-episode documentary focusing on his first NBA season.

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 132–121 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 posted 16 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving 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 contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. The deal guarantees him $193 million, which could increase to $231 million if he is selected to an All-NBA team.

September 2022: Morant named defendant in lawsuit for allegedly punching a minor

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

2022: All-Star and Most Improved Player

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 the Grizzlies' 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 details altercation between Morant's associates and Pacers members

On February 5, 2023, a report by The Athletic described an altercation that occurred on January 29 between associates of Ja Morant and members of the Indiana Pacers. The incident, which followed a verbal exchange between Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and Morant's father during the game, involved multiple verbal and near-physical confrontations, escalating when Pacers guard Chris Duarte tried to engage in a physical altercation with Morant. Pacers forward James Johnson also exchanged words with Davonte Pack, an associate of Morant, leading to Pack's removal from the game.

March 1, 2023: Report details Morant's alleged gun display and threat at mall

On March 1, 2023, The Washington Post released a report detailing an incident where Ja Morant allegedly displayed a gun after an altercation with a 17-year-old. The report also claimed that four days before, Morant allegedly threatened a head of security at a Memphis 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 for displaying a gun; Morant to step away from team

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 seek help for his well-being, and he deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Nike also released a statement of support. Morant reportedly entered a counseling program in Florida.

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

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, the department announced that Morant would not face criminal charges for the incident.

December 19, 2023: Morant returns from suspension, makes 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 win 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.