Redrafting the 2019 NBA Draft: Injury concerns and flawed greatness

Ja Morant entered another stratosphere last season. Now, he looks like a regular MVP candidate — the only truly bankable superstar from the 2019 draft who hasn’t missed 100+ games in three years and change. Morant is more reliable than Williamson, and to be completely frank, he’s just playing better basketball right now.

There are valid concerns tied to Morant’s slender frame and defensive shortcomings. And, unlike Williamson, Morant doesn’t really have the physical tools to develop into a better defender. He’s too small. But the offense is undeniable. The list of better team leaders right now is slim. Morant is the head of the snake in Memphis, with the Grizzlies playing uniquely unselfish team basketball under his guidance.

There are some striking similarities between Morant and Williamson offensively. We’re talking about arguably the two most prolific slashers in the game. Morant can’t be kept out of the paint either: he’s too damn explosive off the bounce, weaponizing his elite first step and long strides to torch even the league’s best perimeter defenders. Morant’s 3-point shot is improving too, which means defenses can’t comfortably sag off. Go under screens, and Morant is more capable than ever of making the defense pay.

As the weaknesses are stripped away over time, Morant’s deadly blend of speed, explosiveness, and feel will only become more difficult to stop. He’s a constant source of dribble penetration, forcing the defense to collapse before picking them apart with his expert passing vision. When Morant’s not scoring at the rim, he’s likely spoon-feeding open teammates or setting the Grizzlies’ dynamic offense in motion. He has earned the No. 1 spot by sheer force of will.