Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant isn't concerning himself with individual awards, even after being the runaway favorite to with the Rookie of the Year award. The No. 2 overall pick is fresh off two double-double performances, the latest a 27-point, 14-assist masterpiece that gave his Grizzlies a win over the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers.
Yet plenty of discussion has flourished in the past week, as Zion Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has helped propel the New Orleans Pelicans into a late playoff push, garnering plenty of consideration for the award despite missing the first half of this 2019-20 season.
Morant won't make a case for himself or one against his longtime AAU teammate Williamson. This won't be a Ben Simmons vs. Donovan Mitchell ROY race like it was two seasons ago.
“I honestly don’t care about Rookie of the Year,” said Morant, according to Omari Sankofa II of The Athetic. “They can give that to who they want.”
Many have argued that whoever's team ends up in the playoffs should get the Rookie of the Year award, yet it's worth considering that Morant has played in 54 of his team's 60 games this season, while Williamson just completed his 15th after Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Morant is averaging 17.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, but he's playing with a poise that is rarely seen among rookies — all while helping do more than just kickstart a rebuild in Memphis, but accelerate that process by putting his team in the eighth playoff spot.
The 20-year-old has shown a team-first attitude, turning down a chance to take part in the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in hopes to get some rest and help spearhead the Grizzlies to a playoff appearance at season's end.
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