Ja Morant Reveals Honest Thoughts on Grizzlies' Big NBA Draft Decision

The Memphis Grizzlies have a big decision to make in the NBA Draft
Apr 26, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Memphis Grizzlies have the 9th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, but there have been several reports indicating they may look to trade up. Memphis is one of the teams that has been heavily linked to UConn star Donovan Clingan, as their need for a center was apparent after the team traded away Steven Adams.

While teams often make these decisions after consulting their franchise player, it seems Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not be involving himself in this process. Speaking with reporters at his recent basketball camp, Morant said he does his scouting after the Grizzlies select a player.

According to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Morant is not scouting any players until after the Grizzlies select them, and he told reporters, "I'm excited to see what happens. I know the internet is probably going to be going crazy, so I'm probably about to turn mine off."

The Grizzlies are in a very interesting position, because while they have a lottery pick in this year's draft, they are not the typical lottery team. A plethora of injuries, including one to Morant, had the Grizzlies finish well below where they expected to last season. This led to them landing the 9th overall pick that could be used to select a rotation piece that helps them make another playoff run.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.