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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant on Thursday was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year after receiving 99 out of a possible 100 first-place votes, the league announced.
He joined LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as the only three players in the NBA this season to average at least 17 points and six assists while shooting 49% from the field in games played before March 11. He led all qualified rookies in scoring and assists.
Morant, who was one of three finalists for the award, was viewed as the favorite to win but still didn’t receive the award unanimously, though. Out of a panel of 100 global sportswriters and broadcasters, Morant failed to receive all 100 votes with the lone exception going to Zion Williamson.
Morant would like to have a word with that individual.
I need to figure out who was that person who didn’t pick me first. I want to shoot a direct message to them and thank them for motivating me, even more, to do more and be better and do whatever I can to help my team win basketball games. If anyone knows who that is, let me know.
The NBA annually releases the full voting results for every voter in each of the major awards categories. The league typically unveils the full ballots once each of the awards has been announced so that person’s identity will remain anonymous for the time being.
Despite failing to win unanimously, Morant still proved to be the top rookie this season and nearly led his team to the postseason. Still, the Grizzlies project to be a team on the rise in the coming years with Morant leading the way.
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