While Ja Morant's off-court troubles have shifted perceptions, Damian Lillard hasn’t forgotten his talent, naming him among his top five favorite players.
Lillard's unwavering respect for Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was once widely regarded as one of the NBA's most thrilling players before off-court incidents and a shoulder injury sidelined him for much of last season. As Morant prepares to make his return, he may need to remind some fans and analysts of his on-court brilliance.
One player who hasn’t lost faith in Morant’s talent is Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. During a recent appearance on the Club 520 Podcast , Lillard named Morant as one of his five favorite players in the league, highlighting his enduring respect for the Grizzlies' guard.
Why Morant remains in Lillard's top five
"I'm gonna go Anthony Edwards" , Lillard began, listing his top five. "I think everybody is super high on him right now, but I like him because of his energy. The swag about him is authentic, and he got the game to go with it. So I’m gonna go with Anthony Edwards. I’m gonna go, Ja Morant. He got into some trouble, so I think people kind of turned off to him a little bit, but I mean, I know what I’m looking at."
Lillard’s candid comments reflect his understanding that while Morant’s off-court issues have impacted public perception, they don’t detract from his basketball prowess. In closing out his list, Lillard added, "Luka [Doncic]. I’m leaving somebody out. [Nikola Jokic] and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. That’s my five right now."
In naming Morant and Edwards, Lillard shared an honest and thoughtful perspective on why these young stars remain two of his favorites despite the challenges they’ve faced. For Lillard, it’s clear that talent and authenticity matter most, and in his eyes, Morant still ranks among the NBA’s elite.
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