Grizzlies star Ja Morant had a giraffe at the Memphis Zoo named after him. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Ja Morant meets 'Ja Raffe,' baby giraffe named after him

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/20/20

Ja Morant, meet Ja Raffe.

The Grizzlies star visited the Memphis Zoo on Friday to meet the giraffe they named after him, and it was a pretty cool sight. Seriously, what NBA player can say they have a giraffe named after them? Only Morant can.

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The Memphis Zoo announced the newest addition on Thursday, saying the male giraffe was born on Nov. 10. They decided to name him Ja Raffe to honor Morant winning Rookie of the Year last season.

We have some new hooves on the African Veldt. His name is Ja Raffe to celebrate @memgrizz’s @JaMorant winning @NBA Rookie of the year. Read more in our latest ZooNews Blog. #memphiszoo #GrindCity #giraffe @zoos_aquariums #babyanimal pic.twitter.com/nwPK8olK9x
— Memphis Zoo (@MemphisZoo) November 19, 2020

Morant, 21, took home the award after averaging 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 3.5% from beyond the arc during his rookie campaign.

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