Ja Morant Creating Separation in Most Improved Player Conversation

Last night, Ja Morant had another spectacular performance and helped the Memphis Grizzlies take down the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. 

Morant finished with 32 points and seven assists, with of those dimes being to Jaren Jackson Jr. for the game-winning 3-pointer. 

His performance last night just furthered his case for the Most Improved Player award this season. WynnBET had Morant and Miles Bridges tied at +400 earlier in the year, but now Morant is by himself at the top at +250.

On the season, Morant is averaging 25.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. While the scoring increase is obviously great, it’s the efficiency that is truly catching voters' eyes. Morant is now shooting close to 48% (up from 44.9%) from the field and 36% (up from 30.3%) from the 3-point line. If Morant continues to shoot the way he is, this award will be locked up for him by the time the All-Star break hits. 

Also, the Grizzlies will be in the playoff race for a majority of the season, which will be nothing but a boost for Morant’s case. 

At +250, this will be one of the last times Morant has significant value. If he continues to play at this level  -- paired with the small decline from Miles Bridges -- Morant will have minus odds in no time. 

Morant and Bridges are the only two players in the odds standings that have odds shorter than +1000. Tyler Herro, who has made great strides in his own game, is +1200.

Memphis has a bright future, and it is because of the play of Morant. As long as he keeps improving, so will the Grizzlies.