Ja Morant was the most exciting young player in basketball during his rookie season. He averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, leading the Memphis Grizzlies into the Western Conference playoff race.

What made Ja Morant a star?

The Grizzlies knew they were getting a special talent when they selected Morant with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His incredible debut season culminated with the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Ja Morant's draft night was emotional, as he reflected on the sacrifices his family made to help him reach the NBA. This introduced fans to his humility and confidence, which quickly made him one of the league's most popular young players.

How did Ja Morant perform on the court?

Morant's first buzzer-beater showed he was built for the spotlight. He sliced between three defenders and floated home the game-winning layup with just 0.7 seconds remaining against the Charlotte Hornets.

The dunk that broke the internet was against the Phoenix Suns, where Morant attacked 6-foot-11 center Aron Baynes without hesitation. The image of Morant soaring over Baynes immediately went viral and became one of the defining highlights of his Rookie of the Year campaign.

What's next for Ja Morant?

Years later, Morant's Grizzlies chapter has officially come to an end following his reported trade to the Portland Trail Blazers. While his legacy in Memphis will always be complicated, there's no debating how electric the beginning was.

Ja Morant outdueled Kyrie Irving in just his third NBA game, proving he belonged among the league's stars. This performance announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.

The five moments that transformed Ja Morant from an intriguing rookie into one of the NBA's biggest stars will always be remembered. His Rookie of the Year Award was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Ja Morant's career has been marked by controversy, injuries, and blockbuster trades. However, his rookie season will always be remembered as one of the most exciting in NBA history.