NBA: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant plays just like Derrick Rose ; and an attitude to match

Ja Morant is having a rookie year to remember which has him up there for ROTY contention. His ferocious explosiveness has helped the Grizzlies back into relevancy.

His blazing speed and ability to blow by defenders is a reminder of all-time great, Allen Iverson, or maybe the Derrick Rose of old. Or Russell Westbrook? How about De’Aaron Fox or even John Wall?

Morant may have Iverson’s speed, and plays above the rim like Westbrook and Rose but you can have your own opinion on who you think he’s like. Let’s all celebrate the fact that we have a generational talent on our hands.

Morant’s ambidexterity makes him damn near impossible to guard and his hyper athleticism and fearlessness leads to monstrous plays.

“I really like the negative energy, it motivates me”

He shows an unwavering determination and is unperturbed when putting his body on the line. At such a young age he’s already showing great natural leadership and is well on his way to super stardom.

Morant’s style of play is akin to whoever you may want it to be but the way he explodes in turbo mode so fearlessly is reminiscent of Derrick Rose in his prime, and he’s also got an attitude to match.

“I really like the negative energy, it motivates me,” Morant said before the 2019 NBA Draft. “It really doesn’t bother me because my dad was my first hater, so if I can take it from him, I can take it from anybody.”

Morant’s drive, both to the basket and mentally, is another reminder of Derrick Rose. Back in 2013 and two months after a return from an ACL injury, Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee.

“He’s leading Memphis in the right direction”

“I can’t wait until I shock the doubters and prove I’m better and stronger than I was before.”, Rose said on his road to recovery.

Now with Detroit and although out injured, he has put up numbers this season that are on par with his career averages. His points and assists per game are also at a career bests since his 2012 ACL injury.

Rose also has his own opinion on Morant. “He’s leading Memphis in the right direction,” he told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Central. “You can tell his teammates love playing with him because they know they will get the ball. He competes every night.”

For someone who works and trains as religiously as Rose, calling Morant out as someone who competes is a compliment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

From the heights of his 2011 MVP crowning to the lows of his horror run of injuries, he still has the desire and passion to become the best player he can be, something no doubt that Morant possesses.

One thing is for sure, Morant is the face of the Grizzlies—and by extension, becoming the face of Memphis—much like Derrick Rose was to Chicago.

In a similar vein, Rose captivated the city of Memphis with his miraculous play in college while at the Memphis Tigers. The city gets lucky again, doing it all over again with Ja Morant as the face of the Grizzlies.

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I'm just a 30-something year old who loves sports, but I ain’t flexin’. I’m a completely amateur sports writer ‘journalist’ inspired by US and UK sports covering basketball, soccer, American football and more. I’m not a pretender, it’s a hobby and if I sound like I’m half street half corporate talk that’s my holistic approach. Peace bro.