How Ja Morant Became the 2019 NBA Draft's Most Electrifying Pick

I remember sitting in my living room during the 2019 NBA Draft, watching the selections unfold with particular interest in one player who seemed to defy conventional basketball wisdom. When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick, I knew we were witnessing something special - the arrival of what would become the draft's most electrifying talent. There's something about watching a player who completely transforms a franchise that gives me that same feeling I get when watching games at challenging venues like Manila's Quadricentennial Pavilion, where the atmosphere makes every play feel more significant, every achievement more remarkable.

What struck me immediately about Morant was how he seemed to come from nowhere, much like how certain basketball environments create unexpected challenges. Murray State wasn't exactly a basketball powerhouse, yet here was this explosive guard putting up numbers that made scouts double-check their spreadsheets. During his sophomore season, he averaged 24.5 points and an incredible 10 assists per game - statistics that would be impressive in any conference, let alone the Ohio Valley. I've followed basketball for over two decades, and I can count on one hand the number of college players who've made me sit up and pay attention like Morant did. His game reminded me of those special players who don't just play basketball - they perform it.

The comparison to Russell Westbrook kept coming up in draft discussions, but to me, that felt lazy. Yes, both players possess explosive athleticism, but Morant's court vision and passing ability were on another level entirely. I recall watching footage of him threading needles that most point guards wouldn't even attempt, making passes that seemed physically impossible. There's a creativity to his game that you simply can't teach - it's the kind of instinctual understanding of space and timing that separates good players from generational talents. When I analyze prospects, I look for that uncoachable quality, and Morant had it in spades.

What really cemented Morant as the draft's most exciting pick for me was his performance against Marquette in the NCAA Tournament. He put up 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds - a triple-double that showcased his complete game. I remember thinking during that game that we were watching a player who could single-handedly change a franchise's trajectory. The Grizzlies were coming off a 33-49 season, stuck in that NBA purgatory between rebuilding and competing. Morant represented not just talent, but hope - the kind of hope that fills arenas and revitalizes fan bases.

His rookie season confirmed everything I suspected. Putting up 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game while winning Rookie of the Year would be impressive enough, but it was the way he did it that stood out. That dunk over Aron Baynes early in the season became an instant classic - the kind of highlight that gets replayed for years. I've watched hundreds of rookies come through the league, but very few have that combination of fearlessness and flair that makes every possession must-see television. Morant plays with a joy that's infectious, reminding us why we fell in love with basketball in the first place.

The transformation he's brought to Memphis reminds me of how certain basketball environments, like the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila, create unique challenges and opportunities for players to prove themselves. Morant faced the challenge of reviving a franchise and has exceeded even the most optimistic projections. In his second season, he led the Grizzlies to the playoffs while averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 assists - numbers that don't fully capture his impact on winning basketball. The team improved from 34 wins the season before he arrived to 38 wins in his rookie year, then jumped to 56 wins in his second season. That's not just improvement - that's acceleration.

What I find most compelling about Morant's game is how he balances highlight-reel plays with fundamental basketball. He'll follow up a breathtaking dunk with a simple, smart pass that leads to an open three. He understands pace and tempo in a way that belies his experience, knowing when to push the action and when to slow things down. Having studied countless point guards throughout NBA history, I'd place his feel for the game somewhere between Isiah Thomas and Chris Paul - high praise indeed, but warranted based on what we've seen so far.

The business impact can't be ignored either. Memphis saw a 24% increase in merchandise sales during Morant's rookie season, and local television ratings jumped by nearly 40% in his second year. These aren't just basketball statistics - they're indicators of a player who captures the public imagination. In an era where player movement dominates headlines, there's something refreshing about watching a young star embrace and elevate his chosen city.

Looking back at that 2019 draft class, while Zion Williamson generated more pre-draft hype, I believe history will show that Morant was the more transformative player. Williamson's health concerns have limited his availability, while Morant has steadily improved and lifted his team to new heights. The Grizzlies built their entire identity around his fearless style of play, creating one of the league's most exciting young cores. As someone who values sustained excellence over fleeting moments, I'll take the player who shows up night after night, making everyone around him better.

There's a special quality to players who exceed expectations, who transform challenging situations into opportunities - whether it's navigating the unique atmosphere of Manila's Quadricentennial Pavilion or revitalizing an NBA franchise. Ja Morant represents that rare combination of individual brilliance and team elevation that defines the truly special players in basketball history. Three seasons into his career, he's already proven that the excitement surrounding his selection wasn't just hype - it was prophecy. The Grizzlies didn't just draft a talented player; they found someone who could redefine what's possible for their organization, and that's why he remains the most electrifying pick from that 2019 class.