When it comes to the best and brightest in professional basketball, Ja Morant definitely tops the list. This superstar, whose full name is Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant, has certainly made a mark in the NBA. His talent is evident on the court, but one of his defining physical attributes is his height. At 6 feet 3 inches tall (around 190.5 centimeters), Morant is considered tall even by average human standards but is of average height in the world of professional basketball, where players often tower well over six feet.
- Born Leader: Ja was born in Dalzell, South Carolina, on August 10, 1999. From a very young age, he showed the leadership skills that would come to define his career. His natural athletic ability, coupled with his exceptional height, made him a dominant force on any team he played on.
- Basketball Bloodline: His father, Tee Morant, was also a basketball player. Standing at an impressive height himself, Tee instilled in his son a love for the sport and mentored him throughout his development.
- No Interest in Football: Despite his height, which would have made him an asset on a football field, Morant never developed an interest in the sport. Instead, he focused on honing his basketball skills, which ultimately led him to the NBA.
- Rejection and Rise: Despite his talent and height, Morant wasn’t heavily recruited in high school, in fact, he was an unranked player nationally. His breakout moment came when he was accidentally discovered by a coach while playing 3-on-3 at a camp.
- Murray State Star: Morant attended Murray State University, where he made a name for himself. The Racers, the university’s basketball team, witnessed a rising star who used his height to his advantage, pulling off fantastic dunks and blocks.
- An Exceptional Rookie Season: Morant was selected as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. His rookie season was exceptional, as he averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year title.
- Famed for his Vertical Leap: Morant has a reported vertical leap of 44 inches, which when coupled with his height, makes him a formidable opponent on the court. It enables him to compete effectively against taller opponents, and to drive to the basket for dunks, a key component of his game.
- Play Style: Morant’s height plays a big role in his play style. He has a quick first step and the ability to explode to the rim with athleticism that is rarely seen.
- The Injury: During his second season with the Grizzlies, Morant suffered an ankle sprain that sidelined him for several weeks. This was a significant setback, but he made a strong recovery, showing that his height was not his only asset, but his strength and resilience played a major role too.
- Philanthropy: Outside of basketball, Morant is known for his philanthropy. He has used his platform to give back to his community, sponsoring basketball tournaments and offering scholarships to students.
- Signature Shoe: Nike released Morant’s first signature shoe in 2021, the “JA 12.” His shoe size is proportional to his height, fitting his US size 13 feet.
- Dunking Skill: Morant’s height, combined with his vertical leap and explosive speed, makes him one of the most exciting dunkers in the league.
- “JA 12” Jersey: The Memphis Grizzlies’ number 12 jersey has become iconic, synonymous with Morant’s height and leaping ability. The choice of number has no connection to his height, but was chosen as a reflection of his journey and the difficulties he overcame to get to the NBA.
- Advantageous Wingspan: Along with his height, Morant boasts an impressive wingspan measuring approximately 6’7″. This gives him a significant advantage in games, allowing him to contest shots, steal the ball, and secure rebounds against taller opponents.
- Honors and Awards: In just a short span of time, Morant has garnered several awards, the highlight being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020. This achievement testifies to his effective use of his height, skill, and natural athleticism in his game.
- Influence of Allen Iverson: Morant has often spoken about the influence of former NBA player Allen Iverson on his game. Despite Iverson standing at a comparatively shorter height of 6 feet, he was known for his agility, speed, and scoring ability – traits Morant admired and incorporated into his own style of play.
- Speed and Agility: Morant’s speed and agility are also standout features of his game. Despite his height, he moves swiftly across the court, outmaneuvering defenders and driving towards the basket with skill and precision.
- Family Influence: His mother, Jamie Morant, played an instrumental role in his upbringing and career. Though not as tall as Ja or his father, Jamie played a crucial role in keeping her son grounded and instilling in him the work ethic necessary for success.
- Nickname: Morant earned the nickname “Point God” in college. This title, suggestive of his leadership on the court, is indicative of the respect he commands, due in part to his height and dominating presence.
- Rookie Record: Morant holds the Grizzlies’ rookie record for the most assists in a season, demonstrating that his height is balanced by his ability to see the court and distribute the ball effectively.
- Partnership with Jonas Valančiūnas: During his first years in the NBA, Morant formed an effective partnership with the Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas. Despite Valančiūnas standing nearly 7 feet tall, the pair worked seamlessly together, with Morant often assisting Valančiūnas for easy baskets.
- Defensive Ability: While often praised for his offensive skills, Morant’s height and wingspan also make him a valuable defender. He has the ability to guard multiple positions, which is crucial in the modern, position-less NBA.
- Relationship with Fans: Morant has a close relationship with his fans. He is known for his interaction with them, both on and off the court, and his height makes him an easy figure to spot in a crowd.
- Post-Game Routine: After games, Morant has a tradition of giving away his game-worn shoes to young fans. This humble gesture, made possible by his visibility on and off the court, shows his appreciation for the support he receives.
- Growth Mindset: Despite his success, Morant has retained a growth mindset. He continuously works on his skills to elevate his game, making full use of his height and other physical attributes. He’s always looking for ways