**Ja Morant’s Historic Rise: How the Memphis Grizzlies Guard Earned 99 of 100 First-Place Votes to Win NBA Rookie of the Year**
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In a season marked by uncertainty, postponed games, and a pandemic that reshaped professional sports across the globe, **Ja Morant**, the electrifying point guard for the **Memphis Grizzlies**, stood as a beacon of talent, determination, and composure. Capping off a phenomenal debut season, Morant earned **99 of 100 first-place votes** to win the **2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award**, a near-unanimous recognition of his breathtaking impact on the court and the promise he brought to a rebuilding franchise.
While the one missing vote stirred minor debate, there was little question about who dominated the rookie landscape that season. The award, rich in legacy and prestige, placed Morant among NBA legends—and marked the beginning of what many believe will be a historic career.
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### **The Making of a Star**
Morant’s path to the NBA wasn’t traditional. He wasn’t a highly touted five-star recruit. He didn’t dominate the AAU circuit like some of his peers. In fact, as a high school player in **Dalzell, South Carolina**, Morant flew largely under the radar—until he landed a scholarship at **Murray State University**, a mid-major program that would serve as his launchpad.
In just two seasons at Murray State, Morant transformed from a relatively unknown prospect into a **national sensation**. His sophomore season was particularly explosive: he averaged 24.5 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, and became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists in a single season.
> “We didn’t know just how special he was at first,” Murray State head coach **Matt McMahon** said. “But once we saw his work ethic, his vision, and that killer instinct—there was no question. He was built for the NBA.”
Morant’s decision to declare for the 2019 NBA Draft was met with wide acclaim. Scouts were enamored by his athleticism, court vision, and fearless play style. The **Memphis Grizzlies**, holding the No. 2 overall pick, saw in Morant the ideal cornerstone to pair with big man **Jaren Jackson Jr.**, and selected him without hesitation.
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### **Instant Impact in Memphis**
From the moment he stepped on an NBA court, Morant played with a maturity and confidence that belied his age. Despite the jump in competition, he averaged **17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game** in his rookie season, dazzling fans with gravity-defying dunks, clutch plays, and a unique ability to control tempo.
> “He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” said former teammate **Andre Iguodala**, who was briefly rostered by Memphis during Morant’s rookie year. “You can’t teach it—you either have it or you don’t. Ja has it in spades.”
Morant’s blend of athleticism and finesse immediately gave the Grizzlies a new identity. No longer were they just “grit and grind.” With Morant leading the charge, Memphis became fast, fun, and formidable.
Under first-year head coach **Taylor Jenkins**, the Grizzlies, expected by many to finish at the bottom of the Western Conference, found themselves **in playoff contention** for most of the season. Morant’s leadership and poise in late-game situations made the Grizzlies must-watch TV—even during nationally underexposed matchups.
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### **Key Moments That Defined His Rookie Year**
Though his season was filled with highlights, several moments cemented Morant’s Rookie of the Year campaign:
* **October 27, 2019**: In just his third NBA game, Morant dropped **30 points and 9 assists** against Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, including a clutch block on Irving in the final moments and an assist to set up the game-winning shot in overtime.
* **December 23, 2019**: Against the Phoenix Suns, Morant posted a perfect shooting night—22 points on 9-for-9 shooting—and orchestrated the offense with surgical precision.
* **February 9, 2020**: He recorded his first **career triple-double** (27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in a win over the Washington Wizards, showcasing the full breadth of his capabilities.
* **The NBA Bubble**: After the season was halted in March due to COVID-19, Morant returned to Orlando for the NBA’s “Bubble,” where the Grizzlies continued to fight for a playoff spot. Despite missing the postseason, Morant’s consistent production under pressure won over fans and critics alike.
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### **A Rookie Season Like No Other**
Morant wasn’t just good—he was efficient, fearless, and unrelenting. He led all rookies in assists and was second in scoring. More impressively, he assumed the role of primary ball-handler and leader on a young, inexperienced team and helped keep them competitive in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
> “What impressed me most was how he controlled games,” said ESPN analyst **Jay Williams**. “He didn’t play like a rookie. He played like a five-year vet.”
Beyond the numbers, Morant brought *joy* to the Grizzlies’ fan base. He ignited **FedExForum** with his acrobatic layups, his stare-downs, his trash talk—and perhaps most famously, **his attempt to dunk over Kevin Love**, a missed dunk that still went viral for its audacity.
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### **Near-Unanimous Voting and the Lone Dissent**
In August 2020, Morant was officially announced as the **2020 NBA Rookie of the Year**, earning **99 out of 100 first-place votes** from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
The one first-place vote he didn’t receive went to **Zion Williamson**, his former AAU teammate and the No. 1 overall pick, despite Zion only playing 24 games due to injury. The vote sparked debate, but Morant took it in stride.
> “I’m not mad,” Morant tweeted. “I’m just blessed.”
His humility throughout the process only added to his appeal. He didn’t campaign for votes. He didn’t belittle other rookies. He simply played hard, respected the game, and let his work speak for itself.
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### **Rookie of the Year Legacy**
By joining the ranks of **LeBron James**, **Kevin Durant**, **Kyrie Irving**, and **Luka Dončić** as recent Rookie of the Year winners, Morant added another chapter to a legacy that already looked promising.
Former Rookie of the Year winners offered praise on social media:
* **LeBron James**: “Young king Ja doing his thing! Big time!”
* **Dwyane Wade**: “Future of the league looking bright with Ja at the helm.”
The Grizzlies organization celebrated the moment by releasing a tribute video highlighting Morant’s best plays and presenting him with a custom trophy display. Fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages using hashtags like **#RookieOfTheYearJa** and **#JaRules**.
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### **The Bigger Picture: Culture Change in Memphis**
Morant’s arrival didn’t just elevate the Grizzlies’ record—it shifted the culture. A franchise that once leaned on veteran toughness suddenly had a new face: a 20-year-old phenom with a killer crossover and a heart full of fire.
He bonded quickly with teammates like **Jaren Jackson Jr.**, **Dillon Brooks**, and **Brandon Clarke**, forming a tight-knit group that played with energy and confidence. Morant’s selflessness, both on and off the court, helped foster a team-first mentality.
> “Ja leads with love and grit,” Clarke said. “He makes you want to go to war with him.”
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### **What Comes Next?**
With his rookie campaign in the books and accolades piling up, the next challenge for Morant is **sustained greatness**. Expectations have soared. Fans are eager for postseason success. Analysts are already placing him in conversations about future MVP contention.
But Morant, true to form, remains focused on growth.
> “Rookie of the Year is special,” he told reporters. “But I’m not satisfied. I want championships. I want to be one of the greatest. This is just the beginning.”
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### **A Role Model for the Next Generation**
Beyond basketball, Morant has embraced his role as a role model for kids across the world, especially those from small towns and overlooked communities—much like his own roots in South Carolina.
He’s partnered with youth sports organizations, supported education initiatives, and remained vocal about issues that matter to him. His authenticity, humility, and charisma have made him a fan favorite—not just in Memphis, but globally.
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### **Conclusion: The Rise of a New Superstar**
Winning 99 of 100 first-place votes to become **NBA Rookie of the Year** wasn’t just a statistical achievement—it was a statement. A message that Ja Morant has arrived. That his style, swagger, and substance are here to stay.
From the streets of Dalzell to the bright lights of the NBA, Morant’s journey is a testament to belief, work ethic, and fearlessness. He didn’t just claim the Rookie of the Year trophy—he **earned** it, one fearless drive, one pinpoint pass, and one resilient moment at a time.
As the league looks toward the future, it’s clear: **Ja Morant isn’t just a rising star. He’s the future face of the game.**
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