Moments after Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant led his team to a home win over the Sacramento Kings on New Year's Day, he submitted an early entry for sweetest fan interaction of the year.
As Morant prepares for the release of his new sneaker -- the "Ja 1" -- he spotted a young fan and his mother courtside following Sunday's win and decided to go meet with them. The former Rookie of the Year gifted the youngster with a pair of his game-worn sneakers, signed the shoes and posed for pictures as the boy became overwhelmed with emotion.
WHOLESOME CONTENT @JaMorant makes a young fan's entire year.
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) January 2, 2023
Amazing. pic.twitter.com/jHtOq7Xb1R
go jam out my guy https://t.co/XyLyO1DhB3 pic.twitter.com/eO1h7TiRZT
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 2, 2023
Morant discussed the interaction with members of the media postgame, saying that he noticed the boy before the contest and heard him shouting his name in support during warmups.
"It leaves you speechless when you see somebody that big of a fan of you to bust out and cry. It was even more crazy to see his Mom crying. I know that touched both of their hearts and something they will never forget." pic.twitter.com/NEnLRYPtaf https://t.co/zQDu2VTeJ7
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 2, 2023
The 2019 No. 2 overall pick finished Sunday's game with 35 points, eight rebounds and five assists. The Grizzlies (23-13) are tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for second place in the Western Conference, trailing the Denver Nuggets (24-12) by just one game.
Morant is averaging 27.2 points per game and career highs in assists (8.0) and rebounds (6.2) per contest across 31 games.
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