Memphis Grizzlies: 4 goals for Ja Morant in 2020-21

Goal 3: Reducing turnovers

Morant averaged 3.3 turnovers per game, that isn’t horrible considering Morant averaged 7.3 assists per game. When compared to the league, there were only three players who averaged more assists, and fewer turnovers than Morant this season: Damian Lillard, Ricky Rubio, and Devonte’ Graham.

Morant has an aerial playstyle, with both his passing and finishing. Morant uses ridiculous angles and body curves to get his man the ball or to score off the glass. Morant somehow can make what looks uncontrollable into productive passes and layups (mostly.)

Morant’s approach makes him close to impossible to predict for the defender guarding him, however, sometimes it looks like even he doesn’t know what he’s going to do once he’s taken off.

The turnovers can be reduced in two major ways, limit being pickpocketed – which will come with time as it happens to many NBA rookie guards, especially when they come up against veterans like Chris Paul or Mike Conley.

And the second way, and the one that’s more frustrating for coaches, is the turnovers in the pick and roll. Plus the dumps around the ring to a cutter or lurking big.

In most of these situations, it’s better to just take it to the rack and try to get the free throws. If Morant doesn’t get the call he has guys ready to try to grab the offensive boards like Brandon Clarke or Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant is helping the defense, as a quick deflection for the defensive normally creates a fast break.

Morant is young and no doubt will become a better point guard, which includes not turning it over as much. The other skill that’s required to become a great point guard in the NBA is shooting, and Morant needs to work on that too.