Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA: The top 4 players under 21 in the NBA today

By Luke Duffy

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies jump for a loose ball in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 06, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies jump for a loose ball in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 06, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Memphis Grizzlies
NBA (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Ja Morant

Placing Ja Morant above Young on this list is something not easily done, and it is an argument that we have visited before. As has already been established though, to be on this list at all speaks to how good these young players are. Morant’s numbers aren’t as ridiculous as Young’s, but there are reasons to have him placed here.

Only a rookie, Morant already looks so comfortable running a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been a lot of fun to watch this season. They may yet make the playoffs, and although that won’t be purely down to Morant if that happens, to be competitive in the tougher Western Conference is something which helps his case.

The 17.6 points and 6.9 assists certainly don’t hurt either. Shooting 36.7 percent from deep this early into his career is a promising sign, and to be doing all of this at only 20 is ridiculous. Morant also has that aggressive style of play where he attacks the rim, and opponents, that is infectious in how his teammates respond to it, and difficult for opposing teams to stop.

Related Story. Grizzlies: The best young core in the NBA?. light

Defensively Morant has begun his career really well too, capable of sticking with quick guards around the court. He may be slight of build right now, but he has the attitude of a terrier snapping at the heels of opponents in how he tracks them down, before morphing into a bulldog with the ball in hand.

A more traditional point guard than some of the others in the league today, there are few players at the position that you would want to start a franchise with. Whereas with other guys on this list the offense can orbit around them and needs to be set in such a way as to utilize their amazing talents, Morant looks like the kind of guy who could slide in anywhere and make them more competitive.

Imagine if he played for the Orlando Magic right now for instance. Wouldn’t they feel a lot better about their own chances of making the playoffs and at least being a more difficult out if they had Morant running the point? Instead, it is the Grizzlies who will continue to profit for years, as they look to build something special around him and Jaren Jackson Jr.