Ja Morant is the highest-paid player on the Memphis Grizzlies. Until the team re-signs Jaren Jackson Jr. to a huge extension, Morant will keep that role. But can the Grizzlies contend for a championship with Ja as their best player? That is a question the front office will have to answer shortly. And it seems rival executives do not think so.
Rival Executive Believes Grizzlies Cannot Win With Ja Morant
In a recent ESPN article, an anonymous rival executive from the Western Conference claimed that as long as Ja Morant is the best player on the Grizzlies, the team cannot contend for a title.
“Does he sell tickets? Yes. Is he a top-25 player when healthy? Yes. Can he win multiple series as the best player? No. Not sure most years you can win even one. Plus he is always hurt.”
For now, the Grizzlies are committed to their core of Morant, Jackson, and Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies have $135 million in salary for next season. But that is without considering the looming extension for Jackson and maybe Santi Aldama. Three years ago, Morant was the best player on the Grizzlies leading them to the second-round in the Western Conference. Currently, he might not be a top-five point guard in the league anymore.
Is Ja Morant the Best Player on the Grizzlies?
Here is a fun fact, since he was drafted, Morant has never been the “best player” on the team in terms of win shares. That might not be the right statistics to look at, each year, another player has contributed more to winning than Morant.
For example, during his first two seasons, Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies in win shares. This season, JJJ leads the team in win shares, his second season being the “best player on the Grizzlies.” Bane has led the team for two seasons as well. Bane played 19 more games during the 2021-22 season, Ja’s best season in Memphis. That might be the reason he contributed more win shares. Nevertheless, during Morant’s career, he has never led the team in win shares.
History Gives Slim Chances to the Grizzlies
Looking at NBA champions and Finals MVP, it wasn’t until the 2000s when guards dominated the league. In the 2010s and 2020s, forwards have taken the reign. The last guard Finals MVP was Stephen Curry in 2022. Before that, we have to go back to 2010 with Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker was the last true point guard to win Finals MVP before Curry. The Warriors have won four titles with Curry, but Kevin Durant was the best player for two of those runs.
In the last 15 years, forwards and centers like Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Dirk Nowitzki, and Nikola Jokic have been the best players on a championship team.
Memphis Should Copy the Cleveland Cavaliers
Last year, with Morant sidelined for most of the season, the Grizzlies gave the reigns to their offense to JJJ. The big man had his best season, and this year, he is proving to be a capable offensive weapon.
For the Grizzlies to contend, they need Jackson to be as impactful as Evan Mobley is on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are the second-best team in the league right now, and Mobley’s growth is a huge reason for it. Cleveland and their new coach Kenny Atkinson allowed Mobley to be more aggressive. Until last season, Mobley waited for too long to make a move after getting the ball. This year, he has been more aggressive driving to the basket.
The Grizzlies now have a new young coach. The hope is that with a fresh voice in the locker room, and some improved offensive schemes, they can contend for a title during their core’s prime years.
Photo credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
