NBA Champion Makes Bold Statement About Ja Morant

NBA Champion Richard Jefferson spoke about Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Feb 17, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson before the 2023 NBA All Star celebrity game at Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ja Morant is one of the best young stars in the NBA.

He finished last season with averages of 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per contest while shooting 47.1% from the field and 27.5% from the three-point range.

However, the two-time NBA All-Star only appeared in nine games due to injury and suspension.

Recently, ESPN's Richard Jefferson named Ja Morant as the player he's most looking at to have a comeback season in 2025 (via NBA Today).

Jefferson: "They were the Oklahoma City Thunder two seasons ago... Don't forget who Ja Morant is... This is a loaded roster that just needed to get healthy."

Fans reacted to Jefferson's quote on social media (h/t Legion Hoops).

Richard Jefferson says Ja Morant has the “most to prove” this season:

“[The Grizzlies] were the [OKC Thunder] two seasons ago. Obviously, there’s been injuries. There’s been a lot of things that have gone on… But don’t forget who Ja Morant is.”

(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/31rRW2FXte

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 11, 2024

Via @ErrorPC_: "The league ain’t ready"

The league ain’t ready https://t.co/9r3xd0CggO pic.twitter.com/RNo98hoCWG

— Error (@ErrorPC_) September 11, 2024

Via @ddpage369: "7’4 Center Zach Edey as Ja Morant’s defensive protection deep in the paint and a lob dunker off Ja Morant’s passes. 👍 No less than a #5 Seed."

7’4 Center Zach Edey as Ja Morant’s defensive protection deep in the paint and a lob dunker off Ja Morant’s passes. 👍 No less than a #5 Seed.

— Dre Day (@ddpage369) September 11, 2024

Via @TingusPingusOG: "ja and smart gonna surprise a lot of people"

ja and smart gonna surprise a lot of people

— 🦄 (@TingusPingusOG) September 11, 2024

Morant has spent five seasons in the NBA (all with Memphis).

Prior to last year, the Grizzlies had made the NBA playoffs for three straight seasons.

Morant leads a roster that also features Desmond Bane, Derrick Rose, Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Mar 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles the ball during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Grizzlies dealt with a lot of injuries last season.

They finished as the 13th seed in the Western Confernece with a 27-55 record.

If the Grizzlies can remain healthy, they will be seen as a contender to make the Western Conference finals.

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