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The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly plan to draft Murray State point guard Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
The New Orleans Pelicans will take Duke star Zion Williamson number one overall. The NBA Draft is on June 20.
Source: Barring the unexpected, Memphis Grizzlies front office and ownership appear to have locked in on selecting Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and are informing parties in Chicago of such. That clears the way for R.J. Barrett to fall to the Knicks at #3.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2019
Ja Morant put on a show this season at Murray State. The explosive guard averaged 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game while shooting 49.9 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from beyond the arc and 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Against Marquette in the NCAA Tournament, Morant recorded a triple-double. The Grizzlies are looking to pair Morant with youngster Jaren Jackson Jr., who put up 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in his rookie year in 58 games. Veteran point guard Mike Conley could be traded before or after the draft. The Grizzlies almost traded Conley at the February trade deadline after moving center Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors.
Memphis is still in need of a head coach. J.B. Bickerstaff was fired after the season ended. Hiring a coach should be the Grizzlies' top priority right now after securing the No. 2 pick.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said Morant's game is going to translate to the NBA right away. The Grizzlies can't wait to get their hands on him.
