How Ja Morant Became the 2019 NBA Draft's Most Exciting Pick

I remember watching the 2019 NBA Draft with that peculiar mix of anticipation and skepticism that comes from following basketball prospects for over a decade. When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick, I'll admit I had my reservations. The kid came from Murray State - not exactly a basketball powerhouse - and while his college highlights were spectacular, I'd seen plenty of athletic guards flame out in the NBA. What I couldn't have predicted was how completely he would redefine what it means to be an exciting draft pick.

There's something about watching a player who genuinely loves the game, and Ja had that infectious energy from day one. His rookie season numbers still stick in my mind - 17.8 points, 7.3 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Those aren't just good numbers for a rookie; they're franchise-player numbers. But statistics only tell half the story. What made Ja different was the electricity he brought to every possession. I recall thinking during his first nationally televised game against the Lakers that we were witnessing something special. The way he attacked the rim against Anthony Davis, finishing with 27 points that night, showed a fearlessness you simply can't teach.

The comparison that kept coming to mind was watching Derrick Rose in his MVP season, but with a modern twist. Ja's athleticism isn't just about vertical leap - though his 44-inch vertical is certainly impressive - it's about how he uses that explosiveness in creative ways. His ability to change directions mid-air, to contort his body around defenders, reminds me of watching a skilled dancer. There's an artistry to his chaos that makes every drive to the basket an event. I've lost count of how many times I've rewound his highlights just to figure out how he managed to finish a particular layup.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about Ja is his basketball IQ. People see the flashy dunks and assume he's all athleticism, but his court vision is exceptional. During that remarkable sophomore season where he averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 assists, what stood out to me was his decision-making in crunch time. The game against San Antonio where he recorded his first triple-double - 22 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds - demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. He wasn't just hunting highlights; he was reading defenses and making the right play, whether that meant taking over scoring or setting up teammates.

The business impact of drafting Ja can't be overstated either. From my perspective covering NBA business operations, the Grizzlies' franchise valuation increased by approximately 28% in his first two seasons. Ticket sales jumped 34% in his rookie year alone, and their social media engagement metrics went through the roof. I remember talking to Memphis's marketing team about how Ja's jersey became their best-selling merchandise almost immediately. There's an economic reality to drafting exciting players that goes beyond wins and losses, and Ja delivered on all fronts.

His connection with the Memphis community happened almost instantly. I visited FedExForum during his rookie season and was struck by how many kids wearing Morant jerseys filled the stands. They weren't just there to watch basketball; they were there to watch Ja. That kind of immediate cultural impact is rare, even for top draft picks. The energy in that building reminded me of when LeBron first came to Cleveland - there was this palpable sense that something special was happening.

Of course, there were growing pains. His three-point shooting dipped to 30.3% in his second season, and the turnovers - 3.3 per game that year - showed there was still development needed. But what impressed me was how he addressed these weaknesses. I spoke with his shooting coach last offseason, and the work ethic was apparently relentless. The improvement in his mid-range game and decision-making this past season didn't happen by accident.

Looking back now, it's clear why Ja became the most exciting pick of that draft class. Zion Williamson had the hype, but Ja had the complete package of athleticism, skill, and that intangible "it" factor that makes basketball must-watch television. The way he plays the game - with joy, with flair, with uncompromising aggression - represents everything modern basketball should be. When I think about that 2019 draft now, what stands out isn't just the numbers or the highlights, but how Ja reminded us why we fell in love with basketball in the first place. He didn't just become an exciting pick; he became the kind of player who makes everyone around him more excited about the game.