The 2020 rookie king Ja Morant was disappointed with the final result of the previous season. He trained low-key in the summer, hoping to have a better performance in his third season and help the Memphis Grizzlies go further.
Morant averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game last season and was more advanced than the rookie year. In the 5 playoffs, he averaged 30.2 points and 8.2 assists per game, but the Grizzlies lost to the Utah Jazz in the end, which disappointed him. His personal protector Trey Draper told Yahoo Sports.com: “He knew after that series and he wanted more.”
“During this off-season, he told us, “We have to go into dark mode, don’t make any videos, we have to focus on training, and everything will become clear when the season begins.” Draper said.
“Welcome to the dark” became Morant’s slogan for transforming himself during the off-season. He said: “This almost represents the form of my life. I will always work hard under the shadows. I have done a lot of work that everyone can’t see. Now is the time for everyone to see it on the court.”
Indeed, Morant had a better performance at the beginning of the season. So far, he has made 47.9% of his 17 games and 36.0% of his three-pointers. He averaged 25.5 points, 7.0 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals, helping the Grizzlies play. 9 wins and 8 losses.
Morant’s performance has won many praises, including legendary star Magic Johnson, who said after Morant’s 40 points and 10 assists in Game 3 of the season: “There is no doubt that he is one of the best ball-handling candidates in the NBA today.”
