Ja Morant “never wanted” to become the new face of the NBA
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Seventh season in the league I Morant has been open for a week and, at 26, his career is starting to raise questions. Especially when we remember the expectations that existed around him…
Three or four years ago, many considered him to be a leader Grizzlies had absolutely everything it took to become the future face of the NBA, thanks to his spectacular and instinctive way of playing. Not even trying to take on this role.
« Honestly, I never wanted to » he admits now during an interview with The Athletic. ” There are many things that come with it. But I play for the love of the game, not to become the face of the NBA. Of course, I hear it often, but I don’t put pressure on myself about it. I just go out on the court and play my game, and then that kind of behavior got me into arguments… Then everyone makes their own opinion, but I’m not really interested in that. »
Since then, Ja Morant’s name has been mentioned less and less in debates on the subject, due to his various injuries, but especially due to his extra-sporting affairs and his penchant for firearms.
Respect from peers
Even if recently Stephen Curry still believed he was capable of it. As well as several other young stars in the league.
« Things like this always happen by themselves, but I hope there is some desire to become great ambassadors of this sport » said the Warrior. ” Whoever is in the playing group could be Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum and others, but I’m not lost on any of that. When I came into the league, there was never this kind of debate around me, but when I got to the finals, people started talking about it. »
Words that go straight to the heart of Ja Morant, already praised several times by Kevin Durant.
« It means a lot more to me than if someone else did it… » in any case appreciate the Rookie of the Year 2020. « These guys are legends, they’re going to the Hall of Fame for sure and it’s just the respect of my peers, recognition of all the hard work I’ve put in. But it’s not over yet. »
Ja Morant still has time to restart his career and become one of the faces of the NBA, both in the United States and internationally. Even if there really isn’t any time left to waste.
| I Morant | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | MEM | 67 | 31 | 47.7 | 33.5 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 7.3 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 17.8 |
| 2020-21 | MEM | 63 | 33 | 44.9 | 30.3 | 72.8 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 7.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 19.1 |
| 2021-22 ☆ | MEM | 57 | 33 | 49.3 | 34.4 | 76.1 | 1.4 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 27.4 |
| 2022-23 ☆ | MEM | 61 | 32 | 46.6 | 30.7 | 74.8 | 1.0 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 8.1 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.3 | 26.2 |
| 2023-24 | MEM | 9 | 35 | 47.1 | 27.5 | 81.3 | 0.7 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 8.1 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 25.1 |
| 2024-25 | MEM | 50 | 30 | 45.4 | 30.9 | 82.4 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 7.3 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 0.2 | 23.2 |
| 2025-26 | MEM | 4 | 27 | 41.1 | 11.1 | 96.4 | 0.2 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 6.5 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 22.2 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-10-28 16:32:00
