Ja Morant is one of the best young superstars in the league, and he established himself this season. The Memphis Grizzlies clinched the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and Morant exploded in the games he played, averaging over 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists a game for the season. His stellar breakout season has put him in the conversation for an award, and while he might be deserving of a lot, this one nomination has caused some controversy.
Morant has been shortlisted as a Top 3 candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. And while his numbers have taken a significant leap across the board, the award usually isn’t given to young superstars that take an expected leap in their production. The argument has also been that Morant is more deserving of an MVP nod considering his level of play, and not Most Improved Player.
NBA fan AtreusIsBack on Reddit has made an argument suggesting that Morant receiving the award would devalue the award itself, and it seems to be a fairly popular opinion too.
“Ja Morant winning the Most Improved Player of The Year award would devalue the award down to pure popularity and media narrative.
“I’m not taking anything away from what Ja Morant did this year, but let’s not pretend he had this insane breakout year after being a bench warmer the year prior or something along those lines. He had a great rookie year and he improved this season, but he is so far away from being the most improved player this year that you couldn’t spot him with a telescope.
“If he does win it, then the award loses all of its meaning, while robbing the players who did deserve it. Jordan Poole, Darius Garland should be the front runners and Ja shouldn’t even be in the discussion for MIP. Period!”
Morant himself likely won’t be too thrilled with the MIP award, he’s got his sights set on a bigger prize. An MVP and a championship are both achievable for Morant considering how good the Grizzlies have been this season and will likely continue to be. Although they need to take their game to the next level to beat the Timberwolves, having lost Game 1 to them already.
