The Memphis Grizzlies nabbed their point guard of the future when they drafted Murray State's Ja Morant second overall in last Thursday's NBA Draft. The Grizzlies are not expecting to win anything significant next season as they enter full rebuild mode, so they will put their attention into developing their young talent.
Morant will play a key role in the Grizzlies' road back to being a championship contender, and the team and its fans will be able to see what he's capable of next season.
But what should people expect from Morant next season? Here are some predictions.
Morant will lead all rookies in assists
During the 2018-19 NCAA season, Ja Morant averaged 10 assists in 33 games for Murray State, which goes to show that the kid has excellent court vision. Do not be surprised if he averages eight or nine dimes in his first season in the NBA.
If Morant ends up averaging nine assists or more, he would be part of an elite crew, as Oscar Robertson, Mark Jackson, and Damon Stoudamire are the only rookies in the history of the NBA to achieve that statistical feat. Even if he doesn't reach that level, we just saw Trae Young hand out over eight assists per game this past season, so Morant could strive for that level.
Now that Mike Conley is gone, the Grizzlies will be able to fully maximize Morant's abilities.
Morant will lead all rookies in minutes
On paper, the Grizzlies still look like one of the weakest teams in the league. Aside from Jonas Valanciunas (who is a free agent), Memphis has no reliable scorer on its roster at the moment. Of course, that can change in free agency, but there's a big possibility that they will let Ja Morant be the focal point of their offense.
Don't be surprised if Morant averages 30-35 minutes per game next season, for the sole reason that the Grizzlies need someone to carry a heavy offensive load.
But that's not going to be a problem for Morant, as scoring is definitely one of his strengths. He averaged close to 25 points in the last NCAA season, and although he will not be able to replicate that in the NBA, do not be surprised if he still puts up 18-22 points per contest.
Morant's playing style is similar to Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox. He's explosive and quick. He has the ability to blow past his defenders, which can lead to him scoring easy baskets. Morant's jumper is still a question mark, but he can knock down outside shots (36 percent from beyond the arc in college), and that will make him a difficult assignment for any opposing point guard.
Morant will struggle on defense
Ja Morant is only listed at 6-foot-3, and although he's just as tall as guys like Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard, he will definitely find it hard to stay in front of those guys. He needs to add some weight (he's only 175 pounds) if he hopes to be able to defend some of the best point guards in the league.
Brodie, Steph, and Dame are three of the quickest and strongest floor generals in the NBA, and while Morant will be able to keep up with them in terms of speed, the same cannot be said when we talk about strength. Those guys will have no problem backing down Morant en route to scoring easy baskets against him.
Morant will also have to improve his awareness and learn how to play team defense in the NBA, which always has a learning curve.
***
Just like Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, Morant needs to work on the flaws of his game. Of course, he will learn a lot of things from his veteran teammates as the season progresses, which will help him become a better player.
But overall, Ja Morant already has the potential to become one of the best point guards in the league within the next five years, and that is something good to look forward to for the Grizzlies and their fans.
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