Ja Morant is already considered one of the top point guards in the league, so much so that he has already drawn comparisons to his current Memphis Grizzlies teammate Derrick Rose.
In a recent interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Joakim Noah, who spent one season with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018-19, compared Morant and Rose because of their explosiveness and elite finishing ability at the rim.
“I see it. I see a lot of similarities. They’re definitely hood favorites. It’s cool. I think there’s similarities in their explosiveness. Physically, I think D-Rose is a little bit more explosive. There’s definitely differences in their game,” Noah said.
For the younger fans who aren’t aware, Derrick Rose was on a whole other level during his peak with the Chicago Bulls. In the 2010-11 campaign, Rose became the youngest player to win league MVP at 21 after leading Chicago to the best regular season record at 62-20 and the Eastern Conference Finals.
Unfortunately for Derrick Rose, he battled numerous injuries throughout his career but remains a respected veteran leader in the NBA today.
Memphis Grizzlies need Ja Morant to play like an MVP
The 2023-24 NBA campaign has been forgettable for the Memphis Grizzlies, as they finished with a 27-55 record, good for 13th in the Western Conference.
Memphis’ roster was badly ravaged, as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, and GG Jackson II, among others, dealt with numerous injuries.
Ja Morant only played nine games last season due to injuries and suspension, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the floor.
The 25-year-old already has two NBA All-Star selections, an NBA Rookie of the Year award, and an NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award, and he can add more to his growing resume if he stays healthy and out of trouble.
