[jwplayer kSHbmusT]
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant took exception with Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn calling himself the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year in a recent interview.
Nunn told the Sun-Sentinel that he believes he should be named the Rookie of the Year based on the success of the Heat prior to the NBA shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Heat are fourth in the Eastern Conference while the Grizzlies are eighth in the Western Conference, respectively.
Nunn has posted 15.6 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game this season while Morant is averaging 17.6 points, 6.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Nunn is second to Morant in scoring and field goals made while Morant leads all rookies in assists.
Morant saw the statement made by Nunn posted by @TheNBACentral on Twitter and responded by sending off a gif of himself laughing with a teammate.
https://t.co/HVFc4rq5Nb pic.twitter.com/8Hx0BtqsaG
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 13, 2020
Nunn has had an incredible journey to this point after going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He spent the entire 2018-19 season in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors and eventually joined the Heat on the final day of last season. He took advantage of his chance and became the opening night start for the Heat this season.
Despite the remarkable start by Nunn, Morant has emerged as the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award after leading the Grizzlies into the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
[lawrence-related id=15316,15385,15228]
[vertical-gallery id=14282]