OKC Thunder Prospect Series: Is Ja Morant the next Russell Westbrook?
Skills
Much like a player Morant himself is taken with (our own OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook) he is an athletic specimen. Speed and ball handling are the two most obvious assets he brings to the hardwood. Plus his leaping ability will be sure to impress even at the pro level.
Yet, the ball handling and passing are the best in the class. Like Westbrook at the pro level, Morant averaged double-digit assists this season in the NCAA. And, let’s remember this was playing in Murray State, not at Duke or Kentucky! Watch the film and you’ll note the variety of ways he gets the ball into his teammate’s hands including while moving at high speeds.
Although there is a comparison section below one aspect of Morant’s upside is his constant movement which is reminiscent of Rip Hamilton. While this is common among shooting guards in today’s game (think Klay Thompson, J.J. Redick) few point guards are running constantly other than Steph Curry.
For all his hops and speed the two things which stand out are his ability to change pace and the absolute will to win. Normally a point guard who excels in the open court can be limited in a half court setting but Morant is equally adept there because of his change of pace (and superb cross over).
Weaknesses
Morant is on the slighter side both in height and frame which may work against him initially even with his blazing speed. He’ll need to spend some time in the weight room to counteract the limitations of his size at least as a rookie. Think of how Trae Young started slowly until he figured things out and began to excel in the latter portion of his rookie campaign.
Morant’s numbers are vastly different from his rookie to sophomore season and just may mean he hit a growth curve later. But, teams will want to know if last year was a blip or if a continued ascent can be counted on.
Like many rookies his 3-point shooting needs work but he’s improved each year and as he adds strength to his core it should help. Most analysts use the free throw shooting as a harbinger for the perimeter and in that respect, his numbers bode well for improvement.
His turnovers increased dramatically this year as well although he makes solid decisions so they may not be as much of an issue with better talent surrounding him.