Making a case
Why Morant has support to be named an NBA All-star reserve
Why Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has support to be named an NBA All-star reserve.
Ja Morant wasn't a fan of the NBA having an All-star Game as he agreed with Lebron James and other stars voicing concerns.
But when asked after Friday's win over the Detroit Pistons if he should be named an All-star reserve, the Grizzlies second-year point guard was confident but didn't beg for it.
"I can say I feel like I've been playing well. (I) definitely should be in that conversation," Morant said. "This year, if there's an opportunity for me to make the All-star (game), it's an honor I'm thankful for."
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins went a step further saying Morant deserves to be a reserve when they are named Tuesday after being selected by the NBA'S coaches.
"He's done an unbelievable job to continue to develop this season and obviously being super impactful with our team in how we winning and improving as a team," Jenkins said.
Morant was fifth in the media vote and sixth in fan voting among Western Conference guards. But although he's appeared in 17 games, he's gotten notice around the league.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, a fan of Morant's since last season, wrote on Twitter Friday that Morant should be a reserve. Last week, it was fellow ESPN analyst Paul Pierce chiming in at halftime of the Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"He should, in my eyes, make the Allstar team this year," Pierce said.
Morant is averaging 19.3 points and 8.0 assists and the Grizzlies are 5-1 when he has at least 10 assists. He's also raised his scoring with at least 20 points in three of his last five games.
The Grizzlies are also ninth in the West despite battling a share of injuries, including Morant missing eight games with a sprained ankle. But he also a tough hill to climb.
Utah Jazz duo Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have led their team to the NBA'S best record. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has played at an MVP level
Clippers guard Paul George is also deserving as is New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.
Morant, however, is earning more respect. Lillard recently said on Twitter that Morant is his favorite young player to watch.
Whether that carries over to making the All-star team remains to be seen. Jenkins said he's happier that Morant's primary goal is on wins instead of individual honors.
"The fact that he's focused on that obviously shows his individual growth and why he's playing at an All-star level and is definitely deserving to be in that conversation," Jenkins said.