OKC Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander’s strong All-Star case faces uphill battle
Ja Morant:
| Season | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 67 | 31.0 | 14.0 | .477 | 2.7 | .335 | 11.3 | .511 | .509 | 4.6 | .776 | 3.9 | 7.3 | 0.9 | 17.8 |
| 2020-21 | 17 | 30.4 | 15.4 | .456 | 3.4 | .228 | 12.0 | .520 | .481 | 5.6 | .813 | 3.1 | 8.0 | 0.9 | 19.4 |
| Career | 84 | 30.8 | 14.3 | .472 | 2.8 | .309 | 11.5 | .512 | .503 | 4.8 | .785 | 3.7 | 7.4 | 0.9 | 18.1 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/20/2021.
Morant’s presence on the list might seem premature given his tenure in the NBA. However, the fact is he does so much to affect winning and is the undisputed team leader is why. An interesting side note is his team has a better record than his draft counterpart, Zion Williamson yet the latter is seemingly getting more attention.
He’s the top scorer and assists man on the ninth place Grizzlies who are still waiting for Jaren Jackson Jr’s return as well as Justise Winslow.
Something to consider when looking at team records is the point differential as it often indicates a team’s potential. For example, the Nuggets and Raptors were two clubs with a positive differential even while they toiled outside the top eight teams in their conferences.
Fast forward a few weeks and both teams have climbed onto the playoff ladder. Both teams have the fourth-best net differential in their respective conferences currently so if they end up with home-court seeds it won’t be surprising.
Likewise, the Grizzlies possess the eighth-best differential. A complexity in this matter is each of the Blazers, Grizzlies, and Spurs are missing core contributors that could impact that part of the equation.
While I doubt Morant makes the cut he deserves consideration.