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#3 Improve three-point shooting
Ja Morant must accept and acknowledge how the league has evolved in the past decade. We have moved into an era where three-pointers are an essential weapon for a key player. Without efficient three-point shooting players, every team is incomplete.
In the 2020-21 NBA season, Morant attempted an average of 3.8 three-pointers per game and converted only 1.2 of them. The importance of this stat lies in realizing that the conversion rate of his 3-pointers is decent at 30.3%. It's the meager attempts per-game that are worrying. The stats highlight perhaps a fear of ranged shot in Morant or maybe it is an aversion. Whichever the case, this is one area that demands urgent attention from Ja Morant and Taylor Jenkins.
As a small point-guard, it is imperative that he develops his shooting from the arc. Without this shot, it will be far more difficult for Ja to progress into one of the top 5 players in the league.
#4 Gain muscle mass
Ja is, in the context of the NBA, a small player. Standing at 6' 3", the Memphis Grizzlies point guard weighed in at just 174 lbs. For a player who loves to contest in restricted areas, Ja Morant is undersized and weak.
The bucket is guarded by bigger and stronger players like Zion Williamson and Ayton. Players that can cause serious damage to an uninitiated body. Ja Morant drives to the restricted area 5.1 times every game, that's 5.1 times he can collide with a big man and get hurt. Also, it is not only the idea of injury that should be considered but also the probability of profitable finishing.
By building his body and strength, the Grizzlies guard will find himself capable of contesting with bigger players with less probability of injuries and a higher chance of scoring.
#5 Improve his defense
This is the most obvious argument on the list. Many sources have already pointed out the flaws in Ja Morant's defense. Some even claim that he doesn't commit to D and is a liability while protecting the bucket.
We do not believe or claim any of that. We do not believe he is a liability on the defensive end. He is a great playmaker and therefore he can read offensive plays, cut passing lines, and generate turn overs and fastbreaks.
The elements of his defense that need work are - 1. how he performs during switches and 2. how he defends against isolation plays.
Ja Morant gets visibly dazed after every well executed screen or switch by the opposing team. He takes time to regain his bearings and can very rarely follow through or make efficient defensive judgements.
In isolation plays, players like to draw Ja Morant out to the edge of the arc and drive past him. His lockdown defense needs work. Especially considering his size factor. He cannot guard reliably under the paint. Not that his blocks are a fluke, but because he is no match for a big man who welcomes contact under the bucket, his once-in-a-blue moon blocks are of no tactical advantage for his team.
These are the five things Ja Morant must do to pave the path to being a top 5 player in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
