Why being an All-Star starter is so important to Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will be a starter in the upcoming NBA All-Star game. Morant, who was the second-leading vote-getter by fans, media and players, is the first Grizzlies player since Marc Gasol in 2015 to be named an All-Star game starter. This is obviously a special moment for Morant, who has put himself […]
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will be a starter in the upcoming NBA All-Star game.
Morant, who was the second-leading vote-getter by fans, media and players, is the first Grizzlies player since Marc Gasol in 2015 to be named an All-Star game starter.
This is obviously a special moment for Morant, who has put himself in the MVP conversation with his astounding play this season.
But it's probably more special for Morant than some folks truly realize.
Morant has been very open about feeling slighted in his younger days. The South Carolina native, who once played on an AAU team with future No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, was lightly recruited out of high school — Morant wasn't even rated by the major recruiting services.
After two impressive seasons at Murray State, Morant was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Grizzlies (right behind Williamson).
(Side note: There's likely no one that would take Williamson over Morant if the 2019 NBA Draft was re-drafted.)
Morant has never let go of feeling overlooked. It's something that motivates him to this day.
“My biggest challenge of my career was the lack of recognition I received when I was younger,” said Morant to the Daily Memphian recently. “There’s been nothing more difficult than overcoming that.”
That's why being named an all-star starter — not a reserve — was such a big deal for Morant.
Morant definitely has a Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant vibe when it comes to using perceived slights as a motivation.
That's why Morant is going to be a superstar for years to come.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
