Photo: Memphis Grizzlies

After an incredible first season in the NBA, Ja Morant has ignited the Grizzlies and won ROTY in the process. Morant looks to have a phenomenal future in the NBA. But I can’t help but draw comparisons to Derrick Rose, pre ACL injury, youngest MVP ever, Derrick Rose. And sadly, Derrick Rose has not managed to get back to his former self. He’s bounced around the league to the Knicks, Cavs, Wolves and now he’s on the Pistons. Even though he rarely started on the Wolves, he was their sixth man and had a historic 50 point game for them, sealed off with the game-winning block. In my opinion, this was the start of his return.

Despite his career-high on the Wolves, he was traded to the Pistons where he was still primarily the sixth man. But with him averaging 18 PPG last season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start more often this season. In my opinion, he’s definitely good enough to start on an NBA team and especially the Wolves. And with the Wolves selecting Anthony Edwards first in the draft and not a point guard, I would assume they’re planning on starting Rose at the point.

Ja Morant

But back to Morant. He’s incredibly athletic, great at getting to the basket, has a solid three-point shot and he won ROTY, just like Rose did. So can Morant show us what Rose could’ve been? At only 21, he is already the main focal point of the Grizzlies offense and the franchise player. If I’m being honest, other than Jaren Jackson Jr and Jonas Valančiūnas I haven’t heard of anyone else on the Roster and Morant almost took this team to the Playoffs. The Grizzlies have vastly improved since Morant arrived.

As we all know, the only thing that stopped Rose from achieving his full potential was his ACL injury. Had he never got injured, I truly believe he would still be one of the best players in the NBA. Morant, on the other hand, has not had any major injuries yet, and I hope it stays this way. If he can stay healthy, I think we’re looking at the next Derrick Rose, or possibly even better.