4 goals for Ja Morant to enter the MVP conversation next season

Goal #3: Improve defense

Ja Morant is a force offensively, but he still shows certain defensive deficits. During his time in the league, Morant has already improved and has become quite effective at deflecting or stealing the ball while showing off some monster blocks. In the 2020–21 season, players actually shot 2.9% better when Morant was their primary defender.

Last season, he improved his defense to the point that opponents shot 2.3% worse, which is a great step forward but still leaves room to grow. To enter the MVP conversation, Morant needs to become a much more solid defender who can stay in front of quick wings and not need as much defensive backup.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ team defense was actually better without Morant on the court last season, and that does not look good when you are trying to build an MVP case. Morant mainly needs to improve his individual defense and pick-and-roll coverage, and not just to be in the conversation as one of the top players in the NBA.

If Morant improves his defense, it will make the entire team better, and it will be especially valuable while Jaren Jackson Jr., who is one of their best defenders, is sitting out the regular season.

Improving his defense may be the most important goal to achieve for Morant next season because everyone already knows that he is a great scorer, but without Jackson there to protect the rim, his defense will be on full display. Proving himself as a two-way player could give him a big boost in the MVP rankings.