The Unprecedented Ascent of Ja Morant: The Memphis Grizzlies Guard’s Journey to NBA Rookie of the Year, As Voted by 99 Out of 100 Voters
Ja Morant, the captivating point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, shone as an example of skill, resolve, and poise during a season characterised by doubt, delayed games, and a global pandemic that transformed professional sports worldwide.
In 2020, Morant was almost universally recognised for his incredible influence on the floor and the potential he offered to a team that was rebuilding after a breakout season.
He won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award with 99 out of 100 first-place votes, capping up an incredible initial campaign.
There was little doubt as to who dominated the rookie landscape that season, even though the one absent vote caused slight controversy.
Many anticipate that Morant’s historic career will begin with this prestigious prize, which elevated him to the ranks of NBA greats and cemented his place in NBA history.
The Road to Stardom
Morant did not follow the typical route to the NBA. Despite expectations, he wasn’t a five-star recruit.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, he was not an AAU circuit dominating star.
Indeed, when playing high school ball in Dalzell, South Carolina, Morant was mostly unnoticed—that is, until he received a scholarship to attend Murray State University, a mid-major university, which would propel him to stardom.
After starting his career as a somewhat unknown prospect at Murray State, Morant became a national sensation in the span of just two seasons.
He became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists in a single season during his spectacular sophomore season, when he averaged 24.5 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. > “We didn’t know just how special he was at first,” murmured Murray State head coach **Matt McMahon.
There was no doubt after witnessing his vision, work ethic, and murderous instinct. He definitely belonged in the NBA. The news that Morant would be entering the 2019 NBA Draft was well praised.
His agility, court vision, and courageous play style captivated scouts.
With the No. 2 overall pick in their hands, the Memphis Grizzlies wasted no time selecting Morant as the ideal d-back to team up with big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
Instant Impact in Memphis
The instant Morant set foot on an NBA court, he displayed an air of self-assurance and maturity that made his age seem irrelevant.
He stunned spectators with gravity-defying dunks, clutch plays, and a unique ability to manage the tempo in his debut season, despite the rise in competition, while averaging 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Andre Iguodala, who was briefly on Memphis’s roster during Morant’s rookie year, remarked, “He’s got that ‘it’ factor.” In other words, it’s something you’re born with and can’t be taught.
I have it in plenty. Morant’s quickness and finesse gave the Grizzlies a fresh identity right away. They had progressed beyond “grit and grind.” Memphis became exciting, quick, and dangerous under Morant’s leadership.
Despite widespread predictions that the Grizzlies would finish last in the Western Conference under first-year head coach Taylor Jenkins, the team spent the majority of the season in playoff contention.
Even in nationally underappreciated games, the Grizzlies were a must-watch because to Morant’s leadership and composure in the last seconds.
Key Moments That Defined His Rookie Year
There were many memorable events throughout Morant’s season, but these solidified his case for Rookie of the Year:
In his third game in the NBA, Morant had an impressive performance against the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving.
He scored 30 points and had nine assists, including a crucial block on Irving in the last seconds and an assist that set up the game-winning basket in overtime.
On December 23, 2019, Morant had a spectacular performance against the Phoenix Suns.
He shot a flawless night from the field, scoring 22 points on a 9-for-9 shooting.
His offence was also well-coordinated.
He displayed his complete range of powers on February 9, 2020 when he scored 27 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and handed out 10 assists in a victory over the Washington Wizards.
The NBA Bubble: Following the March season-ending COVID-19 pandemic, Morant made a triumphant return to Orlando for the NBA’s “Bubble,” where the Grizzlies pursued a postseason berth.
Even though they didn’t make it to the playoffs, Morant won over critics and fans with his steady performance under duress.
A Rookie Season Like No Other
Morant wasn’t merely competent; he was brave, relentless, and efficient.
He scored second-most goals and has the most assists among rookies.
Even more remarkable is the fact that he took charge as the team’s principal ball handler and captain although they were young and inexperienced, and he contributed to their success in the Western Conference, where competition is fierce. “His game management skills were the most impressive thing,” commented ESPN analyst Jay Williams.
He showed no signs of being a rookie. Like a five-year vet, he played.
Grizzlies fans were joyed by Morant, and it wasn’t just because of the statistics.
His acrobatic layups, stare-downs, trash talk, and, most infamously, his failed attempt to dunk over Kevin Love, went viral for its daring, igniting FedExForum.
Near-Unanimous Voting and the Lone Dissent
In August 2020, Morant was officially announced as the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, earning 99 out of 100 first-place votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
The one first-place vote he didn’t receive went to Zion Williamson, his former AAU teammate and the No. 1 overall pick, despite Zion only playing 24 games due to injury.
The vote sparked debate, but Morant took it in stride.
“I’m not mad,” Morant tweeted. “I’m just blessed.”
His humility throughout the process only added to his appeal. He didn’t campaign for votes. He didn’t belittle other rookies. He simply played hard, respected the game, and let his work speak for itself.
Rookie of the Year Legacy
By joining the ranks of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Dončić as recent Rookie of the Year winners, Morant added another chapter to a legacy that already looked promising.
Former Rookie of the Year winners offered praise on social media:
LeBron James: “Young king Ja doing his thing! Big time!”
Dwyane Wade: “Future of the league looking bright with Ja at the helm.”
The Grizzlies organization celebrated the moment by releasing a tribute video highlighting Morant’s best plays and presenting him with a custom trophy display. Fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages using hashtags like RookieOfTheYearJa and JaRules
The Bigger Picture: Culture Change in Memphis
Morant’s arrival didn’t just elevate the Grizzlies’ record—it shifted the culture.
A franchise that once leaned on veteran toughness suddenly had a new face: a 20-year-old phenom with a killer crossover and a heart full of fire.
He bonded quickly with teammates like Jaren Jackson Jr. ,Dillon Brooks, and Brandon Clarke, forming a tight-knit group that played with energy and confidence.
Morant’s selflessness, both on and off the court, helped foster a team-first mentality.
“Ja leads with love and grit,” Clarke said. “He makes you want to go to war with him.”
What Comes Next?
With his rookie campaign in the books and accolades piling up, the next challenge for Morant is sustained greatness. Expectations have soared.
Fans are eager for postseason success. Analysts are already placing him in conversations about future MVP contention.
But Morant, true to form, remains focused on growth.
“Rookie of the Year is special,” he told reporters. “But I’m not satisfied. I want championships. I want to be one of the greatest. This is just the beginning.”
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Beyond basketball, Morant has embraced his role as a role model for kids across the world, especially those from small towns and overlooked communities—much like his own roots in South Carolina.
He’s partnered with youth sports organizations, supported education initiatives, and remained vocal about issues that matter to him. His authenticity, humility, and charisma have made him a fan favorite—not just in Memphis, but globally.
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Conclusion: The Rise of a New Superstar
Winning 99 of 100 first-place votes to become NBA Rookie of the Year wasn’t just a statistical achievement—it was a statement. A message that Ja Morant has arrived. That his style, swagger, and substance are here to stay.
From the streets of Dalzell to the bright lights of the NBA, Morant’s journey is a testament to belief, work ethic, and fearlessness.
He didn’t just claim the Rookie of the Year trophy he earned it, one fearless drive, one pinpoint pass, and one resilient moment at a time.
As the league looks toward the future, it’s clear: Ja Morant isn’t just a rising star.
He’s the future face of the game.
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