Ja Morant Emerges as Solution to Adam Silver’s Major Headache

It’s been barely three weeks since the NBA season began, yet Adam Silver has to face one of the most disastrous conundrums. The viewership is on a steady decline to begin the season. It started with opening night, ESPN’s doubleheader saw a 42% decline in audience. Shaquille O’Neal feels the monotony of the product has something to do with it. Alluding to Curry and the Warriors’ transcending playstyle, the Big Diesel believes “it’s down because we’re looking at the same thing. Everybody is running the same plays,”.

The Bay laid out the framework of shooting becoming a catastrophic weapon for NBA teams. Since then, the number of triples continue to spike. Several other legends resonate with Shaq’s opinion. Recently, Paul Pierce criticized the style of play as well. “Man I will watch for three minutes and I will see 20 three-pointers get put up,” he said raising concerns.

As is true with any offering, having something exclusive makes it appealing. Pierce doesn’t mind the threes. However, the Celtics icon wants to see craftsmanship, with players breaking out “moves” to decimate defenses. One man he sees doing that on a regular basis and someone who Pierce admits is the only other player he watches is the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant.

“I only watch Ja Morant now… He plays the purest form of basketball to me because he going to the rack, he just a pure hooper bro. Like he ain’t out there launching threes every time, he creative, he exciting to watch and I’m like ‘Damn, this is pure basketball I’m watching’,” the Hall of Famer said on The Ticket and The Truth.

Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives to the basket during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Not much has to be said about the blockbuster element that comes with Ja Morant’s game. He doesn’t settle for three-pointers. Currently the 32nd top scorer in the league, Morant’s 3.9 three-point attempts are amongst the lowest for guards. In comparison, Kyle Lowry, a bench star for Philly averages 4.3 threes point attempts per game.

To Ja Morant, his symphony is to play around with his notorious dribble. With the acumen to make reads, the Grizzlies’ sizzling point guard has an array of moves to finish the rim. That is discounting his atomic burst off the floor, endangering defenders being on a poster as soon as he takes the lightning first step.

But is he the most exciting young talent?

Paul Pierce is in awe of Ja Morant

Spending the last year on the sidelines due to an injury, Morant’s return to the NBA meant the onset of jaw-dropping plays once again. Even LeBron James took his hat off for the blossoming Memphis guard. “The energy alone and inspiration that he gives to the younger generation alone is huge for our league, and it’s great to just have him back out there for sure,” he said after their magnetic duel.

But in the same conference is another blasting talent by the name of Anthony Edwards. While Morant didn’t get the chance to make a statement, Ant-Man sprung into one of the most promising talents in the NBA. Coming off a career year, he has successfully elevated his game this year. However, despite his admiration for the Wolves’ cornerstone, Pierce finds Morant to have a greater imagination.

“Ja could do the same dunks as Anthony Edwards… but the only difference is Ja with his playmaking and creativity is a little better than the Ant Man. The way he twerks his body around the rim, body control too, the 360’s in the lane I mean it’s ridiculous,” The Truth revealed.

Ja Morant has yet to fully find his scoring rhythm. But his variations keep fans on their toes. Both he and Edwards have a ravishing game on the interior, capable of getting through traffic with minimal difficulty. But as a true point guard, Morant views the game from a different lens. He looks to distribute, averaging 9.1 assists per game so far. The former MIP is able to access each of his teammates turning everyone on the floor into a threat.

On the other hand, Anthony Edwards inspires through performances. He will lead the charge and encourage teammates to match his high octane. It’s a way that has found success and fits the playstyle in Minnesota that relies on grit and perseverance.

Who do you think is a more exciting player to watch? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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