Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant is the likely frontrunner to win the Rookie of the Year award but the second overall pick has his sights set on more than that.
Morant leads all rookies in total scoring (957), field goals made (362) and assists (380) this season and has emerged as the favorite to win the annual award, though the arrival of Zion Williamson has created some debate as to who should win.
On Monday, Morant addressed the idea of potentially winning the award but the rookie is not concerned with that honor and is instead focusing on leading the Grizzlies to a playoff berth, according to Omari Sankofa of The Athletic.
Ja Morant at shootaround this morning: “I honestly don’t care about Rookie of the Year. They can give that to who they want.” Said his main focus is getting the Grizzlies to the playoffs
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) March 2, 2020
The Grizzlies enter Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 29-31 record. They have struggled as of late, losing five out of their last six games, and hold just a three-game lead over three teams behind them in the standings.
Of the teams currently in the playoff race, the Grizzlies have the most games remaining against teams above .500 with 12. They will face a tough schedule to close out the season but are in a good position to make the postseason for the first time in three seasons.
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