MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a bold declaration that has ignited fervent discussion across the basketball world, the NBA, as reported by TNT, has recognized Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant as the greatest player in the franchise’s history. The 25-year-old superstar, known for his jaw-dropping athleticism and clutch performances, has surpassed Grizzlies legends like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Mike Conley, cementing his legacy as the face of Memphis basketball.
Morant, a two-time All-Star and the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, has redefined the Grizzlies since being drafted second overall in 2019. Through the 2024-25 season, he’s averaged 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, with a career-high 49 points against the Wizards in 2022. TNT’s report highlights Morant’s 2022 playoff run, where he averaged 27.4 points, including a 47-point masterpiece in Game 2 against Golden State, as a turning point. His 2024-25 season, with 25.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, earned him All-NBA Second Team honors, despite a 27-game suspension in 2023 for off-court incidents.
“Ja’s the heartbeat of this franchise,” said TNT analyst Charles Barkley. “He’s doing things we’ve never seen in Memphis—dunks, game-winners, swagger. He’s the guy.” Morant’s highlight-reel plays, like his poster dunk over Jakob Poeltl in 2022 and alley-oop slams, have made him a global sensation. His 2022 Most Improved Player award and five triple-doubles, including a 34-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist gem against Denver in 2023, underscore his versatility.
The NBA’s decision, per TNT, weighs Morant’s transformative impact. He led Memphis to the Southwest Division title in 2022 and a 56-win season, the second-best in franchise history. His playoff heroics, including a 45-point, 13-assist game against Minnesota in 2022, outshine the Grit-and-Grind era’s postseason runs. Morant’s 2,103 assists rank second in Grizzlies history, trailing only Conley, and his 7,069 points place him fourth, behind Gasol’s 11,684. At 25, his trajectory suggests he’ll shatter more records.
Surpassing legends like Gasol, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, and Randolph, whose jersey is retired, has sparked debate. The Grit-and-Grind era, with four straight playoff appearances from 2011-14, set a physical tone, but lacked Morant’s star power. Conley’s 12-year tenure brought stability, yet Morant’s flair and marketability have elevated the franchise’s profile. X posts reflect the divide: “Ja’s the GOAT already! Nobody brought Memphis to life like him,” one fan wrote, while another countered, “Z-Bo and Gasol carried us for years. Too soon.”
Morant’s off-court challenges, including a 2023 gun-related suspension and ongoing legal issues, are addressed in TNT’s report. He’s shown growth, engaging in community work like his 901 Day youth camps and mentoring rookies like GG Jackson. His leadership in guiding Memphis to a 50-win season in 2024, despite injuries to Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., earned praise from coach Taylor Jenkins, who called Morant “a generational talent.”
This season, Morant’s hot start—averaging 28.3 points through 20 games—has Memphis at 14-6, third in the West. His 360-degree layup against Dallas and game-winning floater versus New Orleans have trended on X, with fans dubbing him “Prime Ja.” TNT notes his improved three-point shooting (35.2% in 2024-25) and defensive effort, with 1.2 steals per game, addressing past critiques.
The NBA’s recognition coincides with a Netflix documentary, Ja: Memphis Made, set for release in August 2025, exploring Morant’s rise from Sumter, South Carolina, to NBA stardom. His $197.2 million max contract, signed in 2022, reflects the Grizzlies’ faith in him. Morant’s cultural impact, from his “12” chain to his Nike JA 1 sneaker line, has made Memphis a basketball hub.
Critics argue Morant’s six-year tenure lacks the longevity of Gasol’s 11 seasons or Randolph’s eight, and the Grizzlies’ lone Conference Finals appearance (2013) predates him. Yet, his ability to fill FedExForum and inspire a new generation, as teammate Jackson noted—“Ja makes us believe we can beat anybody”—sets him apart. As Memphis hosts Denver tonight, Morant’s coronation as the Grizzlies’ greatest ever fuels their playoff push and a city’s pride.
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