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The Step Back Composite NBA Draft Big Board: The best 30 draft prospects of the 2010s

By Trevor Magnotti

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards talk following the Wizards 116-106 win at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards talk following the Wizards 116-106 win at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /

Pick Analysis. PG. Murray State. player. Scouting Report. 211. 19. Ja Morant

No. 2 overall pick, Memphis Grizzlies, 2019

Ja Morant was virtually unanimous across mainstream boards as the No. 2 guy in 2019, and he easily dispelled with the “small-college point guard” issue that Lillard dealt with in 2012 by having monster performances against Alabama and Auburn in non-conference play, as well as Marquette and Florida State during the NCAA tournament. There was no question of NBA athleticism as Morant repeatedly jumped out of the gym and exploded through traffic to finish at the college level, and his total package as a transition leader rivals even John Wall on film. Morant’s ability to feed on the chaos of the open floor, throwing defenders off balance with his burst and handle, and finding teammates with excellent open court vision, made him a great candidate to thrive in the NBA’s more frequent quick-hitter scenarios.

Morant’s struggles with shooting consistency, and the combination of his reckless attacking style and his thin frame, meant that he wasn’t a perfect projection to the NBA. There was the potential that he would have serious issues with efficiency early on in his career, and while he has seemed to figure that out in the second half of this season, it may still be a long-term issue. But if he continues to play the way he did during the Memphis Grizzlies’ sudden surge at the start of 2020, he is destined for an All-Star level. The question is how much more is on the table for him.

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