Ex-NBA star argues Ja Morant will win Comeback Player of the Year

Of all the NBA players holding the heaviest chip on his shoulder ahead of the 2024-25 season, Ja Morant is the indisputable choice.

Morant endured the most brutal blow that he could never imagine for himself and the Memphis Grizzlies from last year. Suspended for the first 25 games of the season, Ja had no choice but to watch his team get crushed by most of the teams. Upon briefly returning by playing nine games, the Memphis superstar saw another tough setback. He had to undergo a season-ending surgery that ultimately ended the franchise's hopes for contention.

For finishing at the bottom of the standings with a lowly 27-55 card, 2023-24 was a forgettable season for Ja out of the success he savored alongside the Grizzlies a year prior. And for that, he couldn't be hungrier to be back with a vengeance and redeem his case as one of the league's best.

RJ picks Ja as the comeback player for 2024-25

In the recent segment of NBA Today, ESPN panelists debated who would be their pick for the comeback player of the year this upcoming season. And Richard Jefferson is betting on Ja Morant to deliver a statement this year alongside his Grizzlies squad.

"I'm gonna say Ja Morant," Jefferson said (9:20). "This was a team that was trending upward. They were the Oklahoma City Thunder two seasons ago. There have been injuries, and many things have gone on within the organization.

"But remember who Ja Morant is, remember [Desmond] Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, former DPOY. This loaded roster needed to get healthy and ensure their internal group was focused, pushing in the right direction."

Ja will carry the Grizzlies again to the top

It is a great acknowledgment coming from the former league veteran. It has to be noted that Morant and the Grizzlies are still as they are in terms of core, pedigree, and competitive stance. The team boasts a promising collection of battle-tested talent to compete for a championship courtesy of their back-to-back 50-win seasons from 2022 to 2023.

Rejuvenated and motivated to play again, Ja won't take the 2024-25 season for granted as he rallies himself and the Grizzlies back to their rightful place atop the NBA's upper echelon.

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