When New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was still out recovering from surgery, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant became the top favorite to win Rookie of the Year. But when Williamson suited back up, analysts were forced to debate on who will be the season's top rookie. For Williamson, he's simply happy that Morant is a frontrunner.

Speaking with TNT's Ernie Johnson, Zion Williamson called Morant “brother,” noting that he's happy for the Grizzlies young gun. But at the end of the day, they are both competitors and would want to win at anything at all costs. As transcribed by Kurt Helin of NBC, Williamson said:

“Ja being a brother of mine, I’m happy for Ja. Ja has worked for it, he’s earned it. I give respect when it’s due. I always do. But you know, as a competitor — I’m just a competitor — I want to win at everything, I’m not going to sit here and say I don’t want to win, I want to win at everything. So, my goal was if I could rally my team into the playoffs hopefully I could make a run for [ROY]. It’s just God’s plan at this point.”

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Before the 2019-20 season was suspended, Williamson played in 19 games and averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. In limited action, he showed the world why he was the first overall pick.

Morant, meanwhile, played in 59 games (59 starts) and averaged 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. From a team perspective, he helped the Grizzlies chalk up a 40-27 record for seventh in the West.