Ja Morant has long been viewed as one of the NBA’s most electrifying stars. But according to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, the Memphis Grizzlies guard may not be quite as special as fans think.
In a blunt and highly polarizing statement, O’Connor said,
“Ja Morant is overrated by Grizzlies fans. Subpar from 3. Inconsistent defense. This year got to the rim a career-low % of the time. Rarely healthy. Hasn’t played in 75% of games in a year since 2021. Morant is somewhere around the NBA’s 40th to 50th best player. Good, not great.”
O’Connor’s criticism is rooted in hard data. Morant averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds this season while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.9% from three.
While those numbers aren’t bad by any stretch, they also don’t scream top-20 status, especially when paired with his inconsistent availability and off-court turbulence.
Morant has missed significant time over the past three seasons due to injuries and multiple league suspensions. That, combined with his spotty shooting and below-average perimeter defense, has fueled arguments from some analysts that his star status may be inflated.
While O’Connor’s 40–50 ranking seems harsh, it comes amid growing uncertainty about Memphis’s direction. With the recent Desmond Bane trade signaling a rebuild, the spotlight on Morant’s true value has intensified.
Teams across the league are monitoring his situation closely, with several insiders confirming that Morant was quietly shopped by the Grizzlies earlier in the year.
Despite the criticism, Morant remains one of the most explosive guards in the league. His ability to get downhill, break defenses with speed and agility, and create shots for teammates is elite.
Yet, O’Connor’s point remains: In today’s NBA, where durability, spacing, and two-way impact are crucial, Morant’s limitations, particularly his three-point shot and defensive inconsistency, are hard to ignore.
His emotional reaction to Desmond Bane’s trade highlighted the internal fracture in Memphis. And if the Grizzlies are indeed rebuilding, the question becomes whether Morant is the right centerpiece for that vision, or simply another high-usage scorer whose flaws are more evident in a non-contending roster.
Meanwhile, teams like the Timberwolves and Heat are lurking, reportedly interested in Morant should the Grizzlies look to move him. The Wolves envision a backcourt of Morant and Anthony Edwards, while the Heat, now without Jimmy Butler, see Morant as a potential franchise spark.
Ultimately, O’Connor’s critique isn’t about Morant’s flash; it’s about function. How long can you build around a guard who doesn’t shoot well, misses games frequently, and hasn’t led his team beyond the second round?
As the Grizzlies contemplate their next move, Ja Morant’s real value may soon be tested on the open market. And Kevin O’Connor’s words, harsh as they may sound, might prove prophetic.
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