Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is only a rookie, but the No. 2 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft is currently in the midst of an impressive first go-round atop the highest level.

Although Morant is widely considered to be the front runner to win the Rookie of the Year award with New Orleans Pelicans big man and 2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson only recently returning from an injury, he is still not receiving infinite praise. In fact, Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone recently chimed in on the Grizzlies rookie's current play.

“I think he's a hell of a player but he's not an All-Star yet, in my opinion,” Malone told reporters in regards to Morant, via Peter Edmiston of The Athletic. “He's got to go through his growing pains. He's Rookie of the Year, though.”

Malone's 32-14 Nuggets will be taking on the Morant and the 22-24 Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday evening.

“For him to be doing what he's doing as a rookie is remarkable,” Malone added. “He lives in the paint. When I watch him on film, he's so quick, gets to wherever he wants on the floor, unbelievable finisher at the rim. He makes his teammates better.”

As it stands today, the Nuggets own the No.3 seed in the Western Conference, with the Grizzlies coming in as the No.8 seed.

With these two teams not too far off from a first round matchup come playoff time, Mike Malone's comments regarding Ja Morant could make a potential Western Conference clash that much more interesting.