What Happened to the 2019 NBA Draft 2nd Pick and Where Is He Now?

I still remember watching the 2019 NBA Draft with my college teammates, all of us crammed into a tiny dorm room buzzing with anticipation. When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant as the second overall pick, we erupted in cheers - here was this explosive guard from Murray State who seemed destined for greatness. Fast forward to today, and his journey has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern sports, reminding me of that fascinating observation about volleyball-crazed nations where even the narrowest of setbacks becomes magnified under intense public scrutiny.

What's struck me about Morant's career is how quickly expectations can transform into overwhelming pressure. In his rookie season, he put up impressive numbers - 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game while capturing Rookie of the Year honors. By his third season, he'd become an All-Star starter and won the NBA's Most Improved Player award. I've followed hundreds of prospects throughout my years covering basketball, but few have demonstrated such rapid ascension while simultaneously showing the cracks that emerge when the spotlight burns too brightly. The parallel to that volleyball analogy becomes painfully clear - when you're expected to carry a franchise, every misstep gets analyzed to death.

The turning point came during the 2022-23 season when Morant faced multiple suspensions for off-court incidents, particularly those involving social media videos with firearms. I've always believed that professional athletes exist in this strange bubble where normal maturation gets accelerated and distorted, but watching Morant navigate these challenges felt different. There were 25 games missed due to suspension, team fines that reportedly totaled over $1.2 million, and that constant cycle of public apology followed by renewed scrutiny. What fascinated me was how the basketball world reacted - we became that volleyball-crazed nation, dissecting every statement, every Instagram post, every rumor about his state of mind.

Currently, Morant finds himself at a critical juncture that I find utterly compelling. After returning from his 2023 suspension, he delivered that unforgettable game-winning shot in his first game back against the Pelicans, scoring 34 points in just 23 minutes. The raw talent remains undeniable - his career averages of 22.5 points and 7.4 assists place him among the league's elite guards when available. But availability has become the central question. The shoulder surgery that ended his 2024 season after just 9 games adds another layer to this complex story. I can't help but wonder if the physical toll connects to the psychological weight he's been carrying.

From my perspective covering player development, Morant's situation represents a broader phenomenon in modern sports. We've created an environment where young athletes are thrust into superstardom before they've fully developed the tools to handle it. The Grizzlies built their entire franchise around him, investing approximately $194 million in his max contract extension, and that level of commitment creates expectations that would overwhelm most 24-year-olds. I've spoken with sports psychologists who note that the pressure on top draft picks has intensified dramatically in the social media era, creating what one expert called "the microscope effect" - exactly what that volleyball analogy describes.

Looking ahead, the path forward for Morant involves several critical factors that I believe will determine his legacy. His health recovery needs to be comprehensive - not just the shoulder rehabilitation but addressing the cumulative impact of his playing style on his 6'2" frame. The mental aspect might be even more crucial. Having observed similar cases throughout my career, the players who successfully navigate these challenges often emerge with greater perspective and resilience. The Grizzlies organization faces their own test in supporting his development while maintaining competitive expectations.

What continues to surprise me is how Morant's story resonates beyond basketball circles. He's become a case study in potential versus performance, talent versus temperament. The business implications are substantial too - his signature shoe line with Nike, those massive endorsement deals, all hanging in the balance based on his ability to sustain excellence and stability. I've noticed how conversations about him have evolved from pure basketball analysis to broader discussions about athlete welfare and the machinery of modern sports.

Ultimately, Ja Morant's journey reflects something fundamental about how we consume sports and the athletes who play them. We build these young prospects into heroes, then scrutinize their every move with the intensity of that volleyball-obsessed society watching their national team. His current situation - rehabbing, reflecting, and preparing for his next chapter - represents both a personal and professional crossroads. The numbers suggest he's played just 137 games over the past three seasons, a statistic that underscores both his brilliance and his absence. What happens next will depend not just on his physical recovery but on how he and those around him navigate the immense expectations that come with being that coveted second pick. Having watched this unfold from draft night to today, I'm reminded that sports narratives are never simple, and the most talented players often face the most complicated journeys.