Ja Morant is one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2021-22 season, catapulting himself in the MVP conversation with his brilliant play that has pushed the Memphis Grizzlies among the top dogs of the West. In fact, his performance so far has convinced Stephen A. Smith that he could be more valuable than Giannis Antetokounmpo come playoff time.

In the latest episode of ESPN's “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith shared how impressed he is of Morant, so much so that he is having a hard time choosing between him and Giannis on who would he rather have in the postseason. What piques the veteran broadcaster's interest is how high the Grizzlies star can go, adding that he is already a Top 2 or 3 MVP candidate in his eye.

“Let Ja Morant keep ascending, and I might go with Ja. I think it's a discussion. Giannis is Giannis, and I get that. He's the reigning Finals MVP, reigning champion, he's a former league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year. I get all of that. Giannis is Giannis, but we don't know what the hell Ja's gonna be,” Stephen A. Smith said.

“I look at Ja Morant. Could you imagine if he was at the Garden… Do you understand how special that would be. I'm telling y'all right now, I got Ja Morant as a top 2, top 3 MVP candidate right now. … I know Giannis is going to dominate everybody that's smaller and weaker. I get that. But what Ja Morant can do? Lord have mercy. I can't sit up here and definitively say I'd rather have Giannis come playoff time at this moment.”

It's hard to blame Stephen A. Smith for what many may deem as a hot take. Ja Morant has forced everyone to take a look at him and the Grizzlies this 2021-22, all after people generally snubbed him and treated him as the No. 2 guy drafted after Zion Williamson.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Stephen A. Smith in the middle, Knicks and 76ers logo on either side of him

Preston Byers ·

Stephen A. Smith took to his podcast "The Stephen A. Smith Show" to apologize for the backlash over his Donald Trump take on Fox News.

Randall Barnes ·

Memphis Grizzlies' forward Yuta Watanabe with grizzly bears with him.

Benjamin Adducchio ·

Now, Morant is on his way to becoming an All-Star for the first time in his career. And if the Grizzlies keep climbing in the West, he might as well end up an MVP finalist after the regular season ends.

It remains to be seen if Morant can keep his impressive play and how he will overcome adversities if and when it hits him. But for now, Grind City has to be really ecstatic to see a superstar rise right before their eyes.