Ja Morant reveals he predicted Rookie of the Year in 2019 draft night speech

Ja Morant predicted Rookie of the Year on draft night in 2019

Ja Morant made a bold promise to his family on 20 June 2019 that he would win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. The Memphis Grizzlies guard revealed the moment during a recent interview, calling it the highlight of his draft night experience.

What did Ja Morant say during the 2019 draft?

Morant told his family he was going to claim the Rookie of the Year trophy before he even stepped into the NBA. The 20-year-old had just been selected second overall by the Grizzlies, behind only Zion Williamson. His confidence matched the hype that followed him from Murray State, where he averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists per game as a sophomore.

Why this moment still stands out for Ja Morant

Five years later, Morant still points to that draft-night declaration as one of his most special memories. The promise wasn’t empty bravado-he backed it up by averaging 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in his debut season. He became the first rookie since Blake Griffin in 2011 to lead all rookies in both points and assists per game.

What came next for Ja Morant after the prediction?

Morant’s rookie year earned him the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year award. He finished with 957 points from voters, beating out Williamson (776) and RJ Barrett (480). The Grizzlies made the playoffs that season, too, marking Morant’s first postseason appearance. His draft-night promise turned into a foundation for a career that’s already reshaped the franchise’s expectations.

Morant has since become a two-time All-Star and the face of Memphis basketball. His draft-night confidence set the tone for a career built on bold statements and even bolder performances.