The Memphis Grizzlies‘ Ja Morant is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, not to mention one of the league’s most exciting players.
There have been many fans clamoring for him to participate in the Slam Dunk contest during Saturday’s festivities at the NBA All-Star Game, but unfortunately, he announced he will be declining that opportunity.
Ja Morant was asked what it would take for him to do the Slam Dunk Contest.
“I’m not doing the dunk contest.” pic.twitter.com/unQYmFhazd
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 18, 2023
In his fourth pro season, Morant is averaging 27.3 points and 8.3 assists per game while helping the Grizzlies ascend to the second-best record in the Western Conference.
He is a truly electrifying player in the open court, and his ability to explode and throw down thunderous dunks on defenders has reminded people of a young Derrick Rose.
Morant seems to be in the conversation for being the NBA’s most explosive point guard ever along with Rose and Russell Westbrook.
Memphis is knocking on the door of legitimate championship contention, and the biggest reason why is that Morant has more help than he used to.
Fellow starting guard Desmond Bane has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat and a 3-point sniper who is putting up 21.5 points a game while hitting 42.7 percent from beyond the arc so far this season.
Meanwhile, big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has become an inside threat on defense by blocking 3.3 shots per game.
The Grizzlies still have some growing up to do before they can book a trip to the NBA Finals, as they still need to improve their ability to win close games and perhaps add another significant piece or two to their roster.
But with Morant doing his thing, they should have a puncher’s chance of going all the way as things stand.
