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 David Stern announced Ja Morant as the Memphis Grizzlies' selection at number two, I felt that rare thrill of witnessing something truly special in the making. What struck me most wasn't just his explosive athleticism or court vision—it was the remarkable journey from relative obscurity to becoming what I consider the most electrifying prospect of his class.

There's something about watching a player develop under the radar that gives you a different perspective on their potential. I've visited countless college arenas throughout my career, and I can tell you that the environment at Murray State's CFSB Center during Morant's sophomore season felt like discovering a hidden gem. The energy there reminded me of descriptions I've read about the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila—that unique atmosphere where every game feels like climbing a steeper mountain, where ordinary players falter but extraordinary ones thrive. That's exactly what separated Morant from his peers. While Zion Williamson dominated headlines at Duke, Morant was quietly putting together one of the most impressive statistical seasons in recent memory at a mid-major program.

What made Morant's rise particularly fascinating to me was how perfectly his game translated to the modern NBA. During his final college season, he averaged 24.5 points and an incredible 10 assists per game—numbers that hadn't been seen in college basketball since Jason Kidd. I've analyzed hundreds of prospects, but Morant's combination of speed, creativity, and fearlessness was something I hadn't witnessed since Derrick Rose entered the league. His ability to change speeds while maintaining body control, coupled with that uncanny court vision, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. I remember thinking during one Murray State game that he played like someone had combined Russell Westbrook's athleticism with Steve Nash's playmaking instincts.

The draft process itself revealed how much NBA teams valued his unique skill set. While Williamson was the consensus first pick, multiple general managers I spoke with privately admitted they would have taken Morant first in most other draft classes. His workout with the Grizzlies reportedly left team executives "stunned," with one scout telling me it was the most impressive display he'd seen in fifteen years of evaluating prospects. What impressed me most was how Morant's game seemed to expand every time he faced higher competition—much like how the challenge of playing in demanding environments like the Quadricentennial Pavilion separates genuine talent from mere potential.

Looking back at that draft class now, I'm convinced history will show Morant was the right choice as the most exciting prospect. His impact on the Grizzlies franchise has been immediate and transformative. In his rookie season, he increased the team's offensive rating by 8.3 points when he was on the court and led them to the playoff bubble despite projections having them winning only 32 games. The way he elevated his teammates, the highlight-reel dunks over established stars, and that undeniable swagger—these are the qualities that make franchise players.

What often gets overlooked in draft analysis is the importance of fit and development trajectory. Morant landed in Memphis at the perfect time—with a young core that needed a leader and a coaching staff that understood how to maximize his talents. I've seen countless talented prospects ruined by poor situations, but Morant's combination of self-confidence and coachability made his success almost inevitable. His game reminds me why I fell in love with basketball analysis in the first place—sometimes, the most exciting prospects aren't the most hyped, but the ones whose games contain that rare combination of flash and substance, potential and polish.

As I reflect on that 2019 draft class years later, Morant's journey from Murray State to NBA stardom represents everything I look for in a prospect. The undeniable talent, the work ethic to improve, and that magnetic quality that makes you lean forward in your seat whenever he has the ball. While other players from his class have certainly excelled, none have captured the imagination of basketball fans quite like Morant. His story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most exciting picks aren't the obvious ones, but the ones whose potential feels both limitless and uniquely suited for the modern game.