Why Morant credited Rose after Grizzlies’ win over Knicks
Pictures of Derrick Rose still hang around Memphis. Whether it’s in Fedexforum or a restaurant like Ching’s Hot Wings, Rose’s one season as a Memphis Tigers point guard is etched into the city’s history.
Ja Morant is now doing the same thing for the Memphis Grizzlies. The similarities between Morant and Rose go far beyond being two of the most celebrated point guards to ever play in Memphis.
Before Morant, Rose was one of the quickest and most athletic point guards the NBA has ever seen. He became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, after leading the Tigers to a national runner-up finish, and was the youngest MVP in NBA history at 22 in 2011.
Morant and Rose played against each other for the sixth time on Sunday during the Grizzlies’ 127-123 win against the New York Knicks. After the game, Morant reflected on being compared to Rose.
“He really made it to where people believe in guys like me,” Morant said after recording 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists for the fifth triple-double of his career. “Coming in, athletic guards, I felt like he was pretty much the one who kind of made it more famous. With how acrobatic his finish is, his touch around the rim, and how explosive he was. Coming in, he was my comparison. It’s crazy to be out there on the floor sharing a court with him.”
Morant is in his fourth NBA season and has led the Grizzlies to two straight playoff appearances. Rose made three all-star appearances in his second through fourth seasons before knee injuries stunted his elite explosiveness.
Like Rose, Morant is one of the most athletic point guards to ever play in the NBA.