26. Ja Morant, PG, Memphis Grizzlies – Perimeter shooting
Ja Morant came into his own last season in just his second year in the league, taking on fully the reigns of the Memphis Grizzlies and leading them all the way into the playoffs. He was sublime even in his first postseason appearance, averaging 30.2 points per game against the Utah Jazz and their league-best record.
The next step in his growth as an offensive player is his perimeter shooting. It’s possible for a modern point guard to be successful without an accurate outside shot, but it’s significantly more difficult and makes building a roster around him that much harder. Morant last year shot just 30.3 percent from 3-point range, one of the worst marks in the league for a player in his role.
If Morant could raise that percentage even to 35 percent it would have a huge impact on his numbers and on the Memphis offense. Right now defenders can drop back and go under on screens, preparing themselves for his bursts of speed into the paint. If his shot becomes a weapon they have to respect, suddenly going under means an open shot for a player who will take it.
To his credit, Morant has’t avoided the 3-point shot, but has taken it at a reasonable clip despite the lack of accuracy. If he spend the offseason working on his form and raising that percentage even a few points it will reap benefits for the Grizzlies this season, and might be enough to help propel Morant onto his first All-Star team.