Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant debuted his new alter-ego on Wednesday, as his team faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner came dressed with a headband, which turned out to be the accessory of choice of Morant's newly introduced character, “Headband 12.”
Ja Morant is warming up with the headband. We might see the NBA debut of headband Ja tonight vs. Portland. pic.twitter.com/jZ2OXg3csS
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) February 12, 2020
This new look seems to have worked in Morant's favor, with the 20-year-old finishing with 20 points (on 9-of-23 shooting), five rebounds, nine assists, and a steal in 32 minutes of play. More importantly, Morant helped his side to a crucial 111-104 victory against the Blazers.
Memphis currently occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with a 28-26 record, with Portland in hot pursuit. This win gives the Grizzlies with some much-needed cushion leading up to the All-Star break, as they are now four games ahead of the ninth-seeded Blazers.




Wednesday night also saw Morant flashing out the goggles celebration. The second overall pick took this out of the bag to celebrate almost every eye-popping assist he made against the Blazers. This got the approval of former Grizzlies stalwart Tony Allen who was more than happy to indulge Morant and his antics, as Allen cheered for his former squad from courtside.
Tony Allen (FIRST TEAM ALL DEFENSE) showing some goggle love for Ja's offense in that first half. Eye Ball to Eye Ball. pic.twitter.com/d0XeTTGqSZ
— joe rondone (@joerondone) February 13, 2020
Morant's outstanding play all season long has led to some discussion pertaining to him potentially being called up as the replacement for the injured Damian Lillard for the upcoming All-Star game. There is a matter of Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, though, but even if Morant ends up not getting that call, the fact that he's even being considered speaks volumes of how tremendous he has been for the Grizzlies in his debut season.