NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Last week, training camp commenced for Zion Williamson and Ja Morant’s respective NBA teams in the heart of country music. The New Orleans Pelicans, led by Williamson, hosted their camp near Music Row at Belmont University, while Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies set up at an upscale private high school about 15 miles southwest of downtown.
Both Williamson and Morant find themselves at remarkably similar junctures in their careers, especially when considering their childhood proximity—only an hour apart in South Carolina—and their prestigious placements in the 2019 NBA Draft. Williamson was selected first by the Pelicans that June, with Morant immediately following at second to the Grizzlies.
Now, six seasons later, they have ascended to the status of NBA All-Stars and ‘stars’ in a broader sense. However, both players have faced enough setbacks, whether through injuries or other challenges, that many question if they will ultimately achieve their potential as America’s next basketball superstars.
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“I think none of us have fully grasped his potential,” Pelicans coach Willie Green remarked about Williamson, as the sounds of dribbling and net swishing filled Belmont’s Curb Event Center on the first day of training camp. “We have faith in him here. When he’s on the court, he’s as dominant as anyone else in the NBA.”
Addressing Morant’s potential, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said, “It’s easy to make statements like, ‘the sky’s the limit,’ ‘hall of famer,’ ‘champion.’ I wish I could manifest those aspirations into reality.”
“He made significant strides over the summer and even last year,” Jenkins noted. “I firmly believe he can become one of the greats to ever play this game due to his passion for it and his dedication to developing his skills.”
At 24, Williamson played more games last season“`html
when he achieved career-best averages of points (27.0) and rebounds (7.2) per game.
Last season concluded in a disheartening yet poetic manner for Williamson; during a Play-In Tournament matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, he scored 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, but he had to sit out the closing minutes of the eventual loss due to a hamstring injury.
Morant, at 25, was a clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year in 2020, while Williamson struggled with injuries, playing only 29 games that season. Throughout his five-year career, injuries plagued Morant as well, yet he emerged as a star poised for the biggest stages in the NBA during his third and fourth years, earning All-Star selections twice with averages exceeding 25 points and significantly contributing to the Grizzlies’ rebuilding efforts.
After the 2023 All-Star Game, Morant’s career trajectory faced challenges. The league handed him two suspensions for displaying a firearm on social media. Just nine games into his return from the second suspension, which had sidelined him for the initial two months of last season, he incurred a shoulder injury that necessitated season-ending surgery, limiting him to those nine games.
Neither athlete participated in Team USA for the Paris Olympics last summer. This team of 12 stars was designed not only to clinch gold (which they successfully did) but also to signify a transitional period from icons like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry to a new generation of American talent.
“If Team USA had called, I certainly would have answered, but I suppose it wasn’t my time, which is perfectly fine,” Williamson stated last week. “They went out there and brought home gold, which was wonderful for the country. I hope to be ready for 2028.”
GO DEEPER
What’s behind Zion Williamson’s newfound drive? Trust
For both Williamson and Morant, reaching their full potential extends beyond merely making the next Olympic roster, which will strive to defend gold in Los Angeles four years from now. Given their immense talent, both players are clear candidates, provided they maintain their health and position themselves favorably when selections are made. Even if they don’t represent the U.S. in L.A. for the next Olympics, no other country will boast a roster as deep as that of Team USA.
“We still have a strong chance of winning gold, but it won’t come easy,” remarked a source from USA Basketball. “Ja and Zion need to be in the mix. Looking ahead, we hope they can find consistency.”
The ongoing conversation about Team USA, including Williamson’s and Morant’s absence from the most recent roster, arises from the sentiment that James, Curry, and Durant regarded their Paris journey as a “last dance.” This implies they may either retire or fail to perform at the necessary level to be Olympic representatives in 2028. Thus, in the coming years, three players who have excelled in the NBA for an extended period could depart, leaving uncertainty about who will step up as their successors among U.S.-born stars.
Ant was presented with the opportunity to address these matters by The Athletic, but he chose to respond briefly; Memphis team representatives later explained that a misunderstanding had occurred, and Morant was solely concentrating on the Grizzlies.
The last American-born NBA MVP was James Harden in 2018. Over the past three years, the highest finish for an American player in the MVP voting was fourth. In contrast, foreign-born stars such as Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Joel Embiid (who, incidentally, acquired U.S. citizenship and represented Team USA last summer) have been the dominant figures for the award. France’s Victor Wembanyama is the current Rookie of the Year, while two other French players—Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr—secured the first two picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Does this situation hold significance? On one hand, the league set attendance records last season and recently signed a $76 billion media deal, with its most prominent (though not always the most popular) players hailing from outside the U.S.
However, the top three NBA jersey sales last season, based on league data, were attributed to three Americans (Curry, James, and Jayson Tatum), even though none of them ranked in the top five for MVP voting. Furthermore, the Lakers (with James) appeared in seven of the NBA’s ten most-viewed games last season, while the Warriors (featuring Curry) were in four of the top ten, as reported by the Sports Business Journal—even though neither team had an outstanding season. Both squads participated in the Play-In Tournament, and the Warriors failed to progress to the playoffs.
The idea of succeeding legends like James, Curry, and Durant upon their retirement isn’t about replacing Antetokounmpo, Dončić, or Wembanyama (or Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist last season), but rather about joining them in the elite tier of top NBA talents.
“Consider it in relation to Joker (Jokić) and all those players not born in the U.S.; we’re drawing fans from those regions,” said CJ McCollum, one of Williamson’s teammates in New Orleans and president of the National Basketball Players Association. “We’re bringing in more players from these countries who grow up watching their native stars, improving our game overall. That’s ultimately what we desire. Sponsorship will follow. These foreign stars are featured in American commercials, and they have endorsement deals both in the U.S. and overseas.
“That’s one of the exciting aspects of our game.”
For American NBA players, pride plays a significant role. With foreign-born athletes dominating recent MVP contests and USA Basketball having lost three of its last four matches at the 2023 FIBA World Cup to finish in fourth place, Durant reminded his Olympic teammates about the significance of winning gold as a way to assert that Americans still reign supreme in the basketball arena.
While James remains a prominent figure in the NBA, he will turn 40 in December. Curry and Durant are both 36. Of their three respective teams, the highest expectations rest on Durant’s Phoenix Suns—although they are not predicted to be among the top two or three teams in the Western Conference.
The trio has earned their place among the greats by accumulating NBA titles and MVP awards, and they joined forces last summer to perhaps leave a final significant mark on their legacies by clinching Olympic gold (a record fourth for Durant, third for
Williamson’s teammate with the Pelicans, who also played alongside LeBron James and was a member of Team USA during the 2023 World Cup, remarked, “I think it’s going to be beneficial for whoever steps into that role to take guidance from the players who have come before them and observe their approach to the game. It’s essential that this individual possesses a personality akin to that of LeBron, Kevin Durant, or Steph Curry.”
Williamson is endorsed by Jordan Brand, while Morant represents Nike as a signature athlete. Both players have already secured supermax contracts and All-Star selections.
However, if Team USA’s impressive journey to gold last summer has taught us anything, it’s that there will soon be opportunities, both in the NBA and on the international stage, for Williamson and Morant to achieve even greater success.
(Illustration by Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Zion Williamson and Ja Morant: Sean Gardner, Jeff Dean / NBAE via Getty Images)
Dominating Potential: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant’s Journey towards NBA Stardom
The Rise of Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson emerged as a basketball phenomenon during his time at Duke University. Known for his explosive athleticism and unique combination of size and skill, he quickly became a household name. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 284 pounds, Williamson’s ability to dominate both on the perimeter and in the paint set him apart from his peers.
Early Life and High School Success
- Background: Born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Zion exhibited basketball talent from a young age.
- High School: At Spartanburg Day School, he averaged 36.8 points and 13 rebounds per game, leading his team to a state championship.
- National Recognition: Williamson gained national attention for his highlight-reel dunks and was named McDonald’s All-American.
College Career at Duke
| Season | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 33 | 22.6 | 8.9 |
During his lone season at Duke, Williamson averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and strength on the boards. His performance helped Duke reach the NCAA Tournament before they were eliminated in the Elite Eight.
Ja Morant: The Rise of an Underdog
While Zion Williamson captured headlines, Ja Morant’s journey to NBA stardom was marked by perseverance and determination. Drafted second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant’s explosive playstyle and exceptional court vision have redefined the point guard position.
Early Life and High School Journey
- Background: Born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, Morant faced challenges early in his career.
- High School: He attended Crestwood High School, where he developed his skills but remained relatively under the radar.
- Community College: After not receiving significant college attention, he played one year at Murray State, where he truly began to shine.
College Career at Murray State
| Season | Games Played | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 33 | 24.5 | 10.0 |
At Murray State, Morant excelled, averaging 24.5 points and 10 assists per game, leading his team to an OVC championship and an NCAA Tournament bid. His ability to create plays for himself and his teammates made him a standout player.
A Comparison of Their Skills
Playing Style
Zion Williamson is known for his power and agility. His ability to drive to the basket, combined with his leaping ability, makes him a constant threat near the rim. In contrast, Ja Morant’s finesse and court vision allow him to control the pace of the game, making him a playmaking maestro.
Statistical Breakdown
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 25.7 | 7.2 | 3.2 |
| Ja Morant | 27.1 | 6.0 | 8.0 |
As of the latest season, Williamson averages 25.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while Morant averages 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. This statistical difference reflects their respective roles and impact on their teams.
Challenges and Injuries
Zion Williamson’s Injury Struggles
Zion’s journey has been marred by injuries that have affected his ability to consistently perform at a high level. After an impressive rookie season, he faced various injuries that limited his games in subsequent seasons. His body type and playing style put significant stress on his joints, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
Ja Morant’s Challenges
Conversely, Ja Morant has also faced injuries but has maintained a more consistent presence on the court. His agility and skill allow him to navigate through defenses effectively, though he, too, has had to adapt his game to avoid injury.
Impact on Their Teams
Both players have made significant impacts on their franchises. Zion Williamson has been a game-changer for the New Orleans Pelicans, drawing fans with his highlight dunks and powerful presence. Meanwhile, Ja Morant’s leadership has transformed the Memphis Grizzlies into a competitive team in the Western Conference, proving to be critical in clutch situations.
Building a Winning Culture
- Zion’s Influence: His charisma and explosive play have increased fan engagement and attendance for the Pelicans.
- Morant’s Leadership: Morant has quickly become the face of the Grizzlies, inspiring younger players and fostering a winning culture.
Benefits of Their Playing Styles
For Coaches and Teams
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of players like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant can help coaches develop tailored strategies that maximize their skills.
- Utilizing Athleticism: Teams can design plays that capitalize on Zion’s explosive vertical leap.
- Playmaking Opportunities: Coaches can encourage Morant to use his vision to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
For Young Players
Younger athletes can learn valuable lessons from both players. Emphasizing hard work, resilience, and the importance of refining one’s skills is crucial. Players should focus on developing their unique playing style while also being adaptable to team needs.
Conclusion
While both Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have distinct paths to NBA success, their journeys are marked by determination, talent, and a passion for the game. As they continue to develop and face challenges, their potential to become legends in the NBA remains undeniable. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the next chapters in their careers.
