NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 5.0
211. . Guard, So.. Murray State. Ja Morant. 2. player
According to ESPN’s Jonathon Givony, barring the unexpected, Ja Morant will don a Memphis Grizzlies jersey next season. The electric point guard rocketed up draft boards all season, leading Murray State to the NCAA Tournament and standing out against lesser competition.
The Grizzlies already have Mike Conley on the roster, but there are two options — trade Conley or allow Conley to mentor Morant. Both methods have beneficial attributes, with Conley possessing the knowledge to expand and improve Morant’s skill set in numerous areas.
Either way, the pick would signal the end of an era in Memphis. Much like the Marc Gasol trade last season, it would put a near-official end to the Grit-n-Grind Grizzlies. Putting Conley’s tenure on the clock and moving Memphis in a new direction.
Morant needs to become a more consistent shooter and bulk up for defensive purposes, but he’s an elite-level athlete with spectacular feel on the offensive end. His slashing, passing and transition game are going to make Memphis fans quite happy.