Detailed description of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's approach and mindset

Six years into his NBA career, a new chapter is beginning for Ja Morant.

The days of throwing out haymakers with lines that would dominate sports talk shows appear to be over. At least for now.

These days, Morant occasionally delivers subtle jibes, reminding his critics that he feels forgotten by the league's stars.

“I see everything,” he said Friday after the Grizzlies’ preseason finale.

That includes being listed by NBA general managers as a breakout candidate in 2024, despite already being a two-time NBA All-Star. He was also ranked as the 20th best player in the league in a recent ESPN player rankings. 20th place isn't anything to sneeze at, but it's a step down from when he was considered the ninth-best player two years ago.

That's partly why those around him believe the Grizzlies star has more than just motivation. His agent, Mike Miller, said Morant will “come here” this year. Former Grizzlies star Zach Randolph has also had discussions with Morant.

“He’s hungry, man,” Randolph said. “He’s ready to get out there. He's itching. He’s scratching himself just to prove the naysayers wrong.”

A happy yes. . .

When Morant was asked two years ago if he was the ninth-best player in the NBA, he said he had eight spots left. His approach has shifted to a more team-oriented and simpler approach.

Morant has scored three goals this season. None of this involves being an All-Star, winning MVP, or setting personal records.

These goals: have fun, stay healthy and win a championship.

“We all want a parade here,” Morant said.

It's not for nothing that fun comes first among his three goals. That wasn't the case last season. His mood fluctuated as he fought through a 25-game suspension, then played nine games before injuring his shoulder and missing the rest of the season.

Grizzlies teammates and coaches have spoken enthusiastically about Morant's personality being on display, and that's because he says he's happy and having fun.

“I feel like you can tell right away by my smile,” Morant said. “I’m sure you didn’t see that too much last year.”

Finding the connection to Zach Edey

If Morant is to have a dominant season tied to the Grizzlies' success, rookie Zach Edey will be one of the main reasons why. That's something Morant recognized early on and was conscious of creating a connection with the 7-foot-4 center.

Morant invited Edey this summer to the Dallas area, where the two trained together, and he brought Edey to his home in Memphis and invited him to be with his family.

“The leader and person that he is, he was great,” Edey said. “…He makes me feel welcome. He always tries to include everyone and make everyone feel comfortable.”

As Edey and Morant shared the floor in Friday's preseason finale against the Miami Heat, Morant threw a no-look pass into Edey's waiting hands for an open dunk.

“I’m pretty sure everyone loves the connection between me and Zach,” Morant said. “Starting the game with a pass from me to a dunk to him, I know the crowd loves that.”

Responsibility and reliability

It's the sixth year for Morant and it's also the sixth season for Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Through this relationship, the two have grown closer together, which has led to more constructive criticism.

Jenkins wants Morant to be a better defender. Morant accepts the challenge. Notably, he caused an eight-second violation in the preseason finale after applying pressure all over the field. This was something he rarely did.

Then there is the shooting. Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jenkins kept Morant busy trying to shoot more balls. Morant jokes that if he doesn't shoot the ball at this point in his career, one of the aforementioned people might curse him.

“You know this is going to take my game to the next level and take us to the next level,” he said. “For them to trust me to continue to shoot the ball is everything you can ask from your teammates and coaches. No shyness from me.”

But none of that might be Morant's favorite part of his development with Jenkins. The coach mixes basketball talk with real check-ins that deepen the relationship.

“That’s basically how you get your players because you connect on a different level,” Morant said.

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Everything seems to be in place for Morant to remind the league why he is considered one of the best players. The approach may be a little different, but according to Morant, neither his nor the Grizzlies' swagger has been lost. Right now they are adopting the “actions speak louder than words” mentality.

“It’s right here,” Morant said of his boast. “You look at it.”

The signs of this were there in the final of the previous season. He shined with eye-catching passes, he caught an alley-oop and the Grizzlies' offense looked like the highlight machine of previous years.

His 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists seemed like an impressive preview of the season, but not for him.

“For me, too, it’s another gear I have to shift into,” Morant said. “It was light there. You'll see.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

A happy yes. . .

Finding the connection to Zach Edey

Responsibility and reliability

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