The Grizzlies superstar was surprisingly named a breakout candidate in the NBA GM poll

There were plenty of surprises in this year’s NBA GM poll.

For some reason, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is considered a breakout candidate for the 2024-25 season. Jalen Williams takes the top spot, but Morant is tied for second with Evan Mobley and Victor Wenbenyama. Orlando Magic junior Paolo Banchero rounds out the top five.

Why is this shocking? Well, considering Morant has established himself as a major NBA talent, it’s strange that 10% of GMs believe he’s still a somewhat unproven player. Judging by Morant’s reaction to the list on X, the two-time All-Star wholeheartedly agrees.

“With respect. Why am I here?” Morant wrote on Wednesday.

Morant entered the NBA in 2019 after a remarkable sophomore season at Murray State and immediately put the league on the map. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game in his first year, which earned him “Rookie of the Year” honors at the end of the season.

The No. 2 overall pick increased his scoring to 19.1 points and 7.4 assists in his second season in Memphis, but he rose to superstardom as a third-year guard.

During the 2021–22 Grizzlies season, Morant joined the club with more than 20 points per game, earned Most Improved Player honors, and made his first All-Star appearance at the age of 22. Even more impressive was that Morant’s commendable play on the hardwood resulted in a successful season for Memphis.

Morant led the Grizzlies to a 56-26 regular-season record and a postseason first-round victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The over-the-rim athlete’s stunning one-handed cock-back slam against Malik Beasley was undoubtedly the highlight of the series.

Morant reached his second All-Star Game the following year and led Memphis back to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. During the Grizzlies’ offseason, Morant was caught displaying a weapon on Instagram Live and served a 25-game suspension during the 2023-24 season.

He made several eye-catching plays on offense, but in January he ended his season due to a severe shoulder subluxation/labral tear.

Does Morant have something to prove this year? Yes, as ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson wisely pointed out in September. Morant needs to return to the hardwood and remind the public that he is a special player with an exceptionally high ceiling.

Does Morant need a breakout season? No, because based on his skills and resume he is a 3-4 level guard in the NBA.

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