Introduction
Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player known for his explosive athleticism, creative playmaking, aggressive drives and high-flying finishes. After becoming the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant quickly established himself as one of the league’s most recognizable young guards.
He spent the first part of his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, winning the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, earning two All-Star selections and making the All-NBA Second Team in 2022. In June 2026, Memphis traded Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
This guide covers Ja Morant’s biography, NBA career, statistics, awards, playing style, injury situation, college career and current team.
Who Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant, whose full name is Temetrius Jamel Morant, is a professional point guard from Dalzell, South Carolina. He was born on August 10, 1999, and attended Crestwood High School before playing college basketball at Murray State.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019.
Morant became the centerpiece of Memphis’s young team and developed into a high-volume scorer and primary ball handler. His combination of speed, ball control, passing and leaping ability has shaped his reputation as an attacking point guard.
Ja Morant Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Temetrius Jamel Morant |
| Born | August 10, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Dalzell, South Carolina |
| Age | 27 |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Position | Point guard |
| Shoots | Right |
| College | Murray State |
| NBA Draft | 2019, No. 2 overall |
| Drafted by | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Current team | Portland Trail Blazers |
| NBA debut | October 23, 2019 |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 2020 |
| NBA All-Star selections | 2 |
| All-NBA selections | 1 |
| Most Improved Player | 2022 |
NBA’s current player profile lists Morant at 6-foot-2 and 174 pounds and identifies Portland as his current team.
Where Did Ja Morant Go to College?
Ja Morant played college basketball at Murray State University in Kentucky.
His performances at Murray State significantly increased his profile before the 2019 NBA Draft. He became particularly known for his scoring, passing and ability to create shots while attacking the basket.
Morant’s college career ultimately led to Memphis selecting him No. 2 overall in 2019.
When Was Ja Morant Drafted?
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
He entered the league alongside several notable young players and immediately became an important part of Memphis’s rebuilding effort.
Morant averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game as a rookie. Those numbers helped him win the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Ja Morant’s NBA Career
Morant’s NBA career can be divided into several important stages, from his rookie season to becoming an All-Star and then moving to Portland in 2026.
Rookie Season and Early Development
Morant made an immediate impact during the 2019-20 season.
He appeared in 67 regular-season games and averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. His playmaking was particularly important for a Memphis team built around young talent.
The NBA named him Rookie of the Year for the 2019-20 season.
Breakout With Memphis
Morant’s role expanded as his scoring and decision-making developed.
During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. That season brought several major honors, including his first All-Star selection, the Most Improved Player Award and a place on the All-NBA Second Team.
Memphis also won 56 games that season, matching the franchise’s best regular-season win total at the time.
Establishing Himself as an All-Star
Morant was selected to the NBA All-Star team again in 2023.
His 2022-23 season included averages of 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. He remained one of Memphis’s primary scorers and playmakers.
His career scoring peak has included several major individual performances. NBA’s player profile records a 52-point career high and multiple games of at least 40 points.
Ja Morant Career Stats
Through seven NBA seasons, Basketball-Reference lists Morant at career averages of approximately 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game across 327 regular-season appearances.
His career statistics show why scoring and playmaking are central to his value as a point guard.
| Category | Career average |
|---|---|
| Points | 22.4 |
| Rebounds | 4.6 |
| Assists | 7.4 |
| Field-goal percentage | 46.6% |
| 3-point percentage | 31.1% |
| Free-throw percentage | 77.3% |
These figures are regular-season career averages and can change as additional games are played.
Ja Morant 2025-26 Stats
Morant’s 2025-26 season was shortened by an elbow injury.
He appeared in 20 games for Memphis and averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. He shot 41.0% from the field, 23.5% from three-point range and 89.7% from the free-throw line during those appearances.
Because he played only 20 games, his 2025-26 numbers should not be interpreted as a full-season statistical sample.
Why Is Ja Morant Known for His Athleticism?
Morant’s athleticism is one of the most distinctive parts of his game.
At 6-foot-2, he has developed a reputation for explosive acceleration and exceptional leaping ability. These traits allow him to attack defenders, finish around the rim and create scoring opportunities in transition.
His athleticism also affects how defenses approach him. When Morant gets a clear path toward the basket, he can turn relatively small openings into scoring opportunities.
However, his game is not based only on athletic finishes. He also uses ball handling, change of pace and passing to create opportunities for teammates.
Ja Morant’s Playing Style
Morant generally operates as a primary ball handler and pick-and-roll creator.
His offensive game features several important elements:
- Driving: He frequently attacks the basket rather than settling for outside shots.
- Playmaking: His career average of 7.4 assists reflects his role as a lead creator.
- Transition offense: His speed makes him particularly dangerous when he has space in the open court.
- Pick-and-roll play: He can use screens to create driving lanes or find teammates.
- Finishing: His leaping ability allows him to finish above or around defenders.
- Mid-range scoring: He has also developed pull-up and floater options when defenders protect the rim.
- Three-point shooting: Outside shooting has been a less consistent part of his statistical profile than his interior scoring and playmaking.
This combination makes Morant’s offensive role more complicated than simply describing him as a dunker. He is primarily a lead guard who can score at multiple levels while creating shots for teammates.
What Is Ja Morant’s Career High?
Ja Morant’s NBA career high is 52 points.
NBA’s player profile identifies 52 as his highest-scoring game.
He has also recorded career highs of 13 rebounds and 17 assists, according to Basketball-Reference.
These numbers demonstrate the range of his contributions. Morant can have a major scoring game, but he has also produced significant assist and rebounding totals.
What Awards Has Ja Morant Won?
Morant has earned several major NBA honors during his career.
His most notable awards and selections include:
- 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 2020 All-Rookie First Team
- 2022 NBA Most Improved Player
- Two-time NBA All-Star
- 2022 All-NBA Second Team
NBA’s current profile lists one All-NBA selection, one All-Rookie selection, two All-Star selections and one Most Improved Player award.
His 2020 Rookie of the Year award remains an important early milestone because he won it after becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft.
Why Did Ja Morant Leave Memphis?
Ja Morant’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies ended in June 2026.
The Trail Blazers acquired him from Memphis in a trade that sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies. The NBA’s transaction records confirm the trade was completed on June 29, 2026.
The move marked a major change in Morant’s NBA career because Memphis had been his only NBA team since he entered the league.
NBA.com reported that Morant had played only 79 games over the previous three seasons because of injuries and suspensions, providing important context for the circumstances surrounding the move.
What Team Does Ja Morant Play For Now?
As of October 2026, Ja Morant plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland acquired him from Memphis in the June 2026 trade. NBA’s current player profile lists him as a Portland guard and includes 2026-27 media-day material.
His move to Portland gives him a new team, new teammates and a different offensive environment after spending his first NBA years in Memphis.
It also creates an interesting backcourt situation in Portland. NBA.com’s September 2026 player update reported that Morant is expected to share playmaking responsibilities with Damian Lillard.
Is Ja Morant Injured?
Morant missed the remainder of the 2025-26 season because of a left elbow UCL sprain.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced in March 2026 that he would not return for the rest of that season. NBA’s player updates reported that he was progressing in his recovery and had received a platelet-rich plasma injection.
His injury history is an important part of understanding his recent availability. NBA.com reported that he had officially missed 99 games because of injury or illness and 33 because of suspension during his Memphis career.
For current game-by-game availability, readers should check the latest Portland Trail Blazers and NBA injury reports because player status can change.
Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies
Morant’s relationship with Memphis defined the first seven years of his NBA career.
He was drafted by the Grizzlies in 2019, became Rookie of the Year in 2020 and developed into a two-time All-Star. His 2021-22 season was particularly significant because Memphis won 56 games while Morant earned Most Improved Player and All-NBA honors.
His departure in 2026 therefore represented the end of a significant era for the franchise and the beginning of a new chapter for Morant in Portland.
Ja Morant’s Impact as a Point Guard
A point guard typically has major responsibilities in organizing an offense, handling the ball, creating scoring opportunities and controlling tempo.
Morant has filled that role throughout his NBA career.
His 7.4 career assists per game demonstrate his importance as a passer, while his 22.4 career points per game show that he is also a significant scoring option.
The combination is important because defenses cannot simply treat him as a pass-first guard. He can attack the basket himself or use defensive attention to create opportunities for teammates.
What Makes Ja Morant Popular With Basketball Fans?
Morant’s popularity is closely connected to the visual nature of his game.
His high-speed drives, powerful dunks, creative passes and ability to finish difficult attempts have produced many memorable highlights.
At the same time, his career statistics show that his role extends beyond highlight plays. He has consistently been a high-usage creator capable of scoring and distributing the ball.
For new NBA fans, watching his games can therefore provide a useful example of how modern point guards combine traditional playmaking with aggressive scoring.
Ja Morant’s Career at a Glance
| Stage | Key Achievement |
|---|---|
| High school | Developed into a major college prospect |
| Murray State | Became a nationally recognized college guard |
| 2019 NBA Draft | Selected No. 2 overall by Memphis |
| 2019-20 | Won Rookie of the Year |
| 2021-22 | Won Most Improved Player |
| 2021-22 | Earned All-NBA Second Team honors |
| 2022 | First NBA All-Star selection |
| 2023 | Second NBA All-Star selection |
| 2025-26 | Averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games |
| June 2026 | Traded from Memphis to Portland |
| 2026-27 | Begins a new chapter with Portland |
What Should Fans Watch in 2026-27?
The biggest storyline surrounding Morant’s 2026-27 season is his transition from Memphis to Portland.
The move changes his surroundings after seven NBA seasons with one franchise. It also gives him an opportunity to establish his role within a new backcourt.
Another important factor is availability. Morant missed the end of the 2025-26 season because of his elbow injury, so his health and workload will be closely watched as the new season develops.
Rather than judging the move from a small sample of games, it is more useful to monitor his minutes, scoring efficiency, assists, three-point shooting and availability over a larger portion of the season.
FAQs
Who Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant is an American professional basketball point guard who entered the NBA in 2019 as the second overall pick. He won Rookie of the Year in 2020 and has been selected to two NBA All-Star teams.
What Team Does Ja Morant Play For?
As of October 2026, Ja Morant plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2026 in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
How Old Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant was born on August 10, 1999. He is 27 years old as of October 2026.
How Tall Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant is listed at 6 feet 2 inches, or approximately 1.88 meters, by NBA.com.
Where Did Ja Morant Go to College?
Morant attended Murray State University before entering the 2019 NBA Draft. Memphis selected him second overall.
How Many NBA All-Star Selections Does Ja Morant Have?
Morant has been selected as an NBA All-Star twice. NBA.com also lists him as a 2022 All-NBA Second Team selection.
What Is Ja Morant’s Career-High Scoring Game?
Morant’s NBA career high is 52 points. Basketball-Reference also lists career highs of 13 rebounds and 17 assists.
Did Ja Morant Win Rookie of the Year?
Yes. Morant won the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year Award after his first NBA season with Memphis.
Why Did Ja Morant Miss the End of the 2025-26 Season?
Morant missed the remainder of the 2025-26 season because of a left elbow UCL sprain. The Grizzlies announced in March 2026 that he would not return that season.
What Were Ja Morant’s 2025-26 Stats?
Morant played 20 games in 2025-26 and averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. He shot 41.0% from the field, 23.5% from three-point range and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
Conclusion
Ja Morant has already built a significant NBA career, from becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft and winning Rookie of the Year to earning two All-Star selections and All-NBA honors. His career has been defined by explosive athleticism, scoring, playmaking and an ability to create memorable moments.
The biggest current development is his move to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2026 after seven seasons with Memphis. His recovery from the elbow injury and his role in Portland’s new backcourt will be important storylines during the 2026-27 season.
For the latest information, readers should check current NBA and Portland Trail Blazers reports because statistics, injury status and team developments can change throughout the season.