NBA Mock Draft 2019: The Pelicans are in the driver’s seat
2. player. 211. . PG. Murray State. Ja Morant
The R.J. Barrett bait and switch didn’t work for the Grizzlies, and it never made much sense in the first place. Morant has been thought of as the second-best prospect in this class since he dominated the Ohio Valley Conference tournament in March, and makes even better sense in Memphis alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.
If you’re building around a big man like Jackson who lacks self-creation ability in the modern NBA, you absolutely have to pair him with an elite shot creator at the guard or wing spot. Morant may ultimately be less than elite as a bucket-getter in the NBA, but his passing, particularly out of the pick-and-roll, is better than any point guard in the last three drafts outside of Trae Young.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony succinctly captured the multiple facets of Memphis’ decision:
"“Memphis’ ownership group didn’t waste any time after the NBA combine in informing interested parties that it intended to select Morant, although the front office has attempted to walk that back by inviting RJ Barrett in for a private workout, something he has so far declined. Morant is ahead of Barrett on most NBA boards, and trading incumbent point guard Mike Conley won’t prove too difficult considering his productivity, even if the two can likely play together in an undersized backcourt until Morant is ready to fully take the reins of the franchise.”"
The Grizzlies, after just two drafts, will vault themselves into the top tier of young twosomes in the league — after leaping on lottery night — by drafting Morant.