As the Boston Celtics prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, the team knows they face a challenge in stopping rookie guard Ja Morant.
The second overall pick has emerged as the top first-year player in the 2019 NBA Draft class and is the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award at this point. His unique blend of speed, agility and athleticism make him among the toughest players in the league to guard already in his first year.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens spoke very highly of Morant’s abilities on Wednesday afternoon, according to Marc D’Amico of Celtics.com.
I just think he’s got a different gear. Downhill, he’s got all of the shiftiness. If you’re on your heels at all, he’ll get to where he wants to go. He’s got great burst, both speed-wise and vertically. Just really, really, really impressive.
Morant leads all rookies in scoring (17.9) and assists (7.0) this season while he is also averaging 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 37 games played. Morant is converting on 49% of his field-goal attempts and 40.5% from 3-point range.
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