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NBA Draft: Grizzlies could be getting their new franchise PG in Ja Morant

By Quinn Allen

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is defended by M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is defended by M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies could be getting their next franchise player when they select Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft

It was never a secret that Murray State’s Ja Morant would go in the top five, but after an impressive NCAA tournament, the standout point guard solidified himself as a consensus top three pick.

Now it looks like the Memphis Grizzlies have decided to take Morant as the second overall pick, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, that’s assuming Zion Williamson goes No. 1 overall to New Orleans.

The 19-year-old made himself a college basketball sensation this past season at Murray State, averaging 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a nation-best 10 assists per game. He was spectacular in the NCAA Tournament, but his Racers were knocked out in the round of 16 against a solid Florida State team.

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What could happen in Memphis

Mike Conley is currently the starting point guard in Memphis, who they selected fourth overall in 2007. The 31-year-old has turned into their franchise player and one of the best guards in the NBA with impressive scoring and playmaking abilities.

He currently has two years remaining on a five-year deal worth $140 million, but considering his offensive output, it wouldn’t be difficult to move him. But what Memphis could be thinking is to keep Conley for the time being and ease Morant’s transition into the NBA.

Conley has voiced that he’s not interested in a rebuild, which is the direction Memphis would be heading in if they ship off to another organization. Jaren Jackson and Morant would become the mainstays on the Grizzlies and they would build around those two.

Morant’s game shouldn’t have any problem shifting to the NBA level though. His playmaking abilities are off the charts along with his ability to rise above the rim for highlight reel dunks. Morant has superb athleticism for a 6-foot-3 guard, paired with a very high basketball IQ.

Conley wants to get traded to a contender, but if a suitable deal isn’t on the table, he could end up staying in Memphis. This wouldn’t be an awful thing either, as he could serve as a mentor for Morant and help him adapt to the NBA lifestyle. He’s a seasoned veteran who knows a lot about this league so it could be a beneficial thing for both Morant and the organization.

Conley is more of a scorer than a facilitator, while Morant does both at a high level. He’s arguably even better as a playmaker than a scorer, so Morant could really flourish playing alongside Conley in the Grizzlies backcourt. They could form a dynamic duo in Memphis that might even contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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It will be interesting to see what Memphis does with Mike Conley once they draft Morant. Whether they keep the 31-year-old Conley or trade him, regardless, Ja Morant has a very bright NBA future ahead of him.

The NBA draft will take place on Thursday, June 20th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.