When his NBA career comes to an end, Ja Morant wants to be remembered in Memphis, Tennessee, as a winner—and the best version of himself.
Since being selected by the Grizzlies with the second overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft, Morant has dealt with his fair share of highs and lows. He was awarded Rookie of the Year and helped lead his team to its first playoff appearance in four seasons.
The two-time NBA All-Star answered heightened franchise expectations the following year by propelling the Grizzlies to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. His postseason was cut short after he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the series. Memphis was eliminated.
After the Grizzlies rewarded Morant with a max contract extension, his off-the-court issues started to crop up. He was suspended twice within a matter of months because of gun-related incidents, and one month after returning from his suspension, Morant sustained a season-ending shoulder injury.
Given the ebbs and flows in his six seasons playing in Memphis, Morant was asked about the legacy that he wants to leave behind in the city during the Grizzlies’ media day on Monday.
“Number one for me, my goal is to win. Obviously, being a winner, bringing a championship here. But it’s more than that for me,” Morant said at the 4:13 mark of the video above. “Off the court is probably the biggest thing. Being the best Ja I can be, on and off the court for the city.”
Morant has used this turn of phrase in the past.
Maybe it takes on a different meaning for Morant six years later. Only time will tell.