NBA analyst recommends Ja Morant to change playing style for better longevity in league

Ja Morant is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA today. His speed and athleticism make him difficult to guard, while his jump shot prevents defenders from backing off him. His attacking style can sometimes lead to him taking some bumps, but it has also allowed him to take the seventh-most free attempts in the league.

On “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” the host suggested that Ja Morant may need to change his style of play.

"I'd recommend doing more Steph, Pull up, That forest is dangerous" - Colin Cowherd

Cowherd believes that if the young guard adopts more outside shooting, it may help his longevity. He cited Ja’s size as one concern as he is not a very big man, standing at 6ft 3inches and 174lbs, with another concern being Morant’s injuries earlier in his career.

Ja Morant’s style can be compared to Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose and even Allen Iverson. Where Cowherd may be a little off is that the only cautionary tale in that list of names is Derrick Rose, who had an ACL injury in his fourth season that derailed his career. Wade and Iverson went on to become multiple-time All-Stars.

Morant is already shooting from the outside more often, attempting a career-high 5.2 attempts from three per game and shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc. He is a legitimate threat from the outside which opens up driving to the basket.

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Ja Morant MVP Candidate

Ja Morant finished 7th in MVP voting for the 2021-22 season and this year he is playing even better. He is averaging a career-high 29.3 ppg to go along with 6.2 rpg and 6.8 apg. The Memphis Grizzlies currently have a 9-6 record.

If the Grizzlies can finish the season in the top four of the Western Conference, their star guard’s chance at winning the award will increase. The MVP award usually goes to a player whose team wins around 50 games and Memphis is expected to contend for the title.

Last season, the team won 56 games, and if they can repeat that type of performance this season, Morant will have a good shot at the award, especially if he continues to average in the 29ppg range.

He will also need to stay healthy. Only two players in NBA history have played less than 60 games in the season they won the award. Only 6 players have played less than 70 games in their MVP season.

With a good season by both the Grizzlies and Morant, he will have a good chance at winning the award.