Memphis Grizzlies Guard Wins Second Major Award in Three Seasons: Named NBA’s Most Improved Player
On Monday night, the NBA confirmed what fans across Memphis and much of the league had already suspected: Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been named the NBA’s Most Improved Player (MIP), his second major award in just three seasons.
For Morant, the recognition adds another jewel to a glittering résumé that is still being written. For the Grizzlies, it reinforces their belief that they have not only one of the league’s brightest stars but also one of its most relentless workers. And for the league at large, it represents the evolution of a player whose growth mirrors the rise of a franchise determined to stake its claim among the NBA elite.
A Rare Feat: Multiple Awards in a Short Span
Winning one major NBA award is impressive. Winning two within three seasons is rarified territory. Morant’s latest accolade follows his earlier recognition as the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020 and his All-NBA Second Team selection in 2022, establishing him as a player who is constantly rewriting expectations.
The Most Improved Player award typically goes to emerging stars who elevate their games dramatically from one year to the next. For Morant, who was already an All-Star and the face of the Grizzlies, the award underscores just how much further he has pushed his ceiling. He didn’t simply refine his strengths — he expanded his game, transforming weaknesses into weapons and setting new standards for himself.
Statistical Leap: The Numbers Behind the Award
Numbers often tell the story, and Morant’s statistical improvement in 2025–26 was nothing short of remarkable:
- Scoring: His points per game jumped from 23.5 to 29.8, placing him among the league’s top five scorers.
- Three-Point Shooting: Long considered a relative weakness, his outside shot improved from 31% to 38%, forcing defenders to respect his perimeter game and opening lanes for his explosive drives.
- Assists: Already a dynamic playmaker, Morant increased his average to 8.7 assists per game, proving he could balance scoring with creating opportunities for teammates.
- Defense: His steals per game rose from 1.1 to 1.8, showcasing a renewed commitment to the defensive end of the floor.
These numbers weren’t empty calories; they translated directly into wins. The Grizzlies posted one of their best records in franchise history, finishing third in the Western Conference and positioning themselves as legitimate contenders.
The Work Behind the Scenes
Teammates and coaches consistently point to Morant’s work ethic as the foundation for his success. Reports emerged in training camp that he spent the offseason working tirelessly on conditioning, film study, and jump-shot mechanics.
Assistant coach Darko Rajaković revealed: “Ja wasn’t satisfied with being good. He wanted to be unstoppable. Every morning he was in the gym before staff even arrived. That’s why this award is his — it’s not just talent, it’s obsession.”
Morant’s offseason regimen included sessions with shooting specialists, conditioning experts, and sports psychologists. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of his game, he returned in peak form, determined to make the leap from All-Star to bona fide MVP candidate.
The Impact on the Grizzlies
The ripple effects of Morant’s improvement were felt throughout the organization. His ability to stretch defenses with improved shooting created more space for sharpshooters like Desmond Bane, while his passing vision elevated the play of big men such as Jaren Jackson Jr.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized Morant’s leadership growth: “It’s not just about Ja scoring more points. It’s about the way he leads. He’s vocal, he’s accountable, and he sets the standard for everyone in this locker room.”
For a young Grizzlies squad, that leadership has been transformative. Once seen as a fun, energetic underdog, Memphis is now respected as a team capable of contending year in and year out.
Reactions Across the NBA
The announcement of Morant’s Most Improved Player award sparked reactions from peers, legends, and analysts alike:
- LeBron James: “That kid keeps raising the bar. Much respect to Ja for always putting in the work.”
- Stephen Curry: “Improvement is about never being satisfied. Ja embodies that. He deserves it.”
- Shaquille O’Neal on TNT: “He’s got that killer mentality. Most Improved isn’t just a step, it’s proof he’s climbing toward MVP.”
Even critics who once questioned whether Morant’s style of play could sustain long-term success have admitted he has adapted and evolved faster than expected.
Fans’ Perspective: A City Celebrates
In Memphis, the news was met with jubilation. Fans gathered at local bars, community centers, and FedExForum to celebrate their star’s recognition. Social media flooded with the hashtag #MIPMorant, while murals of Ja across the city became makeshift shrines where supporters left messages of pride and gratitude.
For Memphis — a city with deep musical and cultural roots but a basketball team often overlooked in national conversations — Morant’s success feels deeply personal. He is not just the face of the Grizzlies; he is the embodiment of the city’s grit and grind ethos.
The Critics’ View: Should a Star Win MIP?
Some analysts have questioned whether established stars should qualify for Most Improved Player. Critics argue the award is traditionally designed for breakout players rather than those already at All-Star level.
Yet Morant’s supporters counter that his leap was too significant to ignore. While he was already a star, the degree of his improvement in efficiency, consistency, and leadership far exceeded expectations.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe summed it up best: “It’s not about where you started, it’s about how far you’ve come. Ja didn’t just polish his game — he reinvented it.”
The Broader Significance
Morant’s award also speaks to the evolution of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise. For years, the team was defined by the “Grit and Grind” era of Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Marc Gasol. That era gave Memphis identity but never delivered a championship.
Now, with Morant at the helm, the Grizzlies have transitioned into a new identity: fast, explosive, fearless. Winning individual awards along the way signals that the league must take Memphis seriously as both a contender and a destination for talent.
Looking Ahead: From MIP to MVP?
With his Most Improved Player award secured, the conversation has already shifted: Is Ja Morant on track to become an MVP?
At 26, he is entering his prime, and his trajectory suggests no signs of slowing. If he continues to improve shooting efficiency while maintaining his elite playmaking and athleticism, MVP consideration is not a question of “if” but “when.”
For Morant, however, the focus remains collective. In his acceptance speech, he stated: “This award means a lot, but it’s just part of the journey. My real goal is to bring a championship to Memphis.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
Ja Morant’s Most Improved Player award is more than an individual honor. It is a reflection of hard work, of a city’s embrace, and of a franchise’s rise. It cements his status not just as the Grizzlies’ cornerstone but as one of the NBA’s defining stars of the next decade.
In an era where loyalty and growth often take a backseat to quick success, Morant’s journey feels refreshingly authentic. Two major awards in three seasons is no accident — it’s the product of relentless drive and belief in both himself and his team.
As Memphis fans celebrate, the rest of the league watches with a mix of awe and apprehension. Because if this is what Ja Morant looks like now, the future promises even more. And for the Grizzlies, that future has never looked brighter.
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