Memphis Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant had a whirlwind of a year in 2019.

Mornat burst onto the scene as a top prospect in the 2019 NBA Draft following a tremendous sophomore campaign with the Murray State Racers, including a two-game showing in the 2019 NCAA Tournament where Morant dazzled fans with his tremendous athleticism and court vision.

The Grizzlies were steadfast to draft Morant with the No. 2 pick this past summer, and he has clearly established himself as the front runner for the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Morant is averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds through his first 30 games. perhaps more impressively, he has the Grizzlies (14-22 entering Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns) on the fringes of playoff contention.

But what is Morant's ceiling? Are we witnessing the birth of the next great NBA point guard?

The physical tools

Any conversation regarding Morant's future has to begin with his insane athleticism.

Morant is one of the fastest players in the league, and his leaping ability is on another level as far as point guards are concerned. One might even go as far as to say he boasts the same kind of explosiveness as MVP Derrick Rose or a young Russell Westbrook.

The 20-year-old does not have the biggest build (6'3,ā€ 175 pounds), but he can still finish at the rim against physical bigs. For example, check out this detonation on Suns center Aron Baynes from last month:

Sure, Ja Morant makes this play happen by leveraging a quick first step, but he is also still able to finish through the contact even though his momentum is taking him away from the rim.

Morant's speed and quickness also make him lethal in transition, where he can get to the cup or make plays for his teammates. Defenders have to account for Morant at all times, which should only serve to aid his play making for guys like Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Ā Improving skill set

Ok, but Morant was also a menace in transition for the Racers. How would he adapt to the half-court offense in the NBA?

Well, Morant has proven himself capable in the pick and roll. His ball handling is exceptional, and he forces hedging defenders to commit themselves early.

Did I mention the ball handling ability? Morant has put on a clinic in recent weeks and people are taking notice:

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Ja Morant in Murray State jersey and crown on his head

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That step back jumperā€“from Saturday night's win over the Los Angeles Clippersā€“is absolutely lethal. Again, Morant has the advantage because he is so quick with his first movement, but he can shift directions on a dime, and he keeps the ball on a string.

But the real reason the sky is the limit for Morant? He is efficient from the perimeter.

Granted, it is a very small sample size but Morant is shooting an even 40 percent from beyond the arc on 2.3 attempts per game. He takes what opposing defenses give him. If he continues to show confidence in the jumper, he is going to be one of the most deadly offensive forces in basketball.

Fans have enjoyed Luka Doncic's incredible play in his sophomore season. Given his added athletic ability and court vision, it is not a stretch to suggest Morant could experience a similar breakout for the 2020-21 campaign.

In any case, Morant is certainly on his way.