Grizzlies legend sets record straight after insulting Ja Morant ‘Next Gen’ ranking
When it comes to Memphis Grizzlies standout Ja Morant, many people appear to have a major case of recency bias.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, the All-NBA point guard has been constantly overlooked and, in many ways, seemingly forgotten as someone who, when on the court, truly could vie for the title of “face of the league.”
Most recently, The Ringer published a piece listing the 25 best players in the NBA at the age of 25 and under, and, insultingly, Morant fell all the way to the tenth spot, trailing only literal non-stars Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams and players with rather limited resumes in comparison, such as Tyrese Maxey.
Following such a ludicrous turnout for the 24-year-old, Grizzlies legend Tony Allen went on to set the record straight about the cornerstone guard in an interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, singing Morant’s praises while also putting the league on notice for what could come in 2024-25.
Grizzlies legend Tony Allen urges NBA to watch out for Ja Morant
“He’s still one of the guys that could be the face of the league. He’s a force to be reckoned with. I think he’s a superstar and must-see TV. … I think this summer is one of the biggest for him. This is gonna put a lot of fuel to the fire, simply because you see a lot of cats getting notoriety right now, which was his spotlight… This is the return year of Ja Morant to take the league back by storm.”
– Tony Allen
Morant played only nine games for the Grizzlies this season due to off-court troubles and ailments.
Despite his limited playing time, he demonstrated why he is one of the game’s premier perennial All-Stars, posting impressive per-game averages of 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on 47.1 percent shooting from the floor.
JA MORANT CAPS THE @memgrizz 24-POINT COMEBACK WITH THE #TISSOTBUZZERBEATER!
34 points for Ja in the thrilling W.#TimeDefinesGreatness pic.twitter.com/qa3tEPQwry
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2023
From his high-flying athleticism to his highlight reel plays, the Grizzlies’ centerpiece is “must-see TV” when on the court, as Allen put it, and his career averages (22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds), as well as his merchandise sales numbers, only seem to support that sentiment.
Though Morant’s admirers may be well aware of how amazing he is, it appears that The Ringer has forgotten.
Hopefully, he will be able to remind them next season, as Allen predicts.
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