2020-21 Memphis Grizzlies Player Previews: Ja Morant Morant’s 2nd season will see him coming Harder Than Ever Share this story Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images Allow him to reintroduce himself…his name is Ja. South Carolina and Murray State’s finest. Affectionately known in Memphis as “Big 12” and “Big Stepper” and to the NBA the reigning Rookie of the Year and one of the league’s rising stars. On June 20, 2019, with the 2 nd overall pick the Memphis Grizzlies got their man in Ja Morant - the electric mid-major guard who had been a walking highlight reel his final year at Murray State. Supplanting Mike Conley, one of the best and most beloved players in Memphis Grizzlies history, the shoes Morant were left to fill were enormous to say the least. Joining incumbent young star Jaren Jackson Jr., they were given the responsibility to be the face of the new Grizzlies standard that was predicated on pace and high basketball IQ in a more modern take on the Grit and Grind of old and that Morant did in the most exciting ways possible. Ja Morant put on a show in his rookie season whether it be setting up his teammates or putting opponents on posters – the former Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year was box office.