Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies star Ja Morant names his favorite NBA player

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Jennifer Withers Hoey | Last updated 1/12/23

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant experienced a breakout campaign last season. In 2022-23, he has taken things to the next level.

The 23-year-old has gone from winning the league’s ‘Most Improved’ crown to being a legitimate MVP candidate. He's averaging 27.6 points, 7.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game while lead the Grizzlies to the top of the Western Conference.

As one of the new faces of the NBA, Morant has a certain perspective on the game that few others do. Recently, he delved into a very interesting topic: who his favorite player in the league is.

@BizzyBones11 my fav player rn . bro be too turnt & he da goodz
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 16, 2022

The love for Hyland makes sense. So far this season he is averaging 13.6 points per game on 41.7 percent shooting from the field and 41.7 percent shooting from three. That is notably higher than the 11.3 points per game Hyland averaged one year earlier out of college.

Due in no small part to Hyland’s growth as a player, the Denver Nuggets are currently 28-13 and sit atop the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies are right there with them, though – also boasting a 28-13 mark through 41 games.

With the way things are looking now, it wouldn’t be particularly shocking to see Morant and Hyland square off in the Western Conference Finals this year.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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