The NBA Drafts shape the league’s future, allowing teams to sign college basketball standout players among other eligible athletes. South Carolina has produced many NBA players, including Kevin Garnett and Khris Middleton. Two rising NBA stars, Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, grew in the state before joining the league.
In the 2019 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson with the first pick, while the Memphis Grizzlies picked Ja Morant second. When Zion was two, his family shifted to Florence, about an hour’s drive from Dalzell, South Carolina, where Ja was raised. Coming from a common state, are these two NBA stars related?
How Are Ja Morant And Zion Williamson Related?
Both-time NBA All-Stars Ja and Zion played on the same team, not in the NBA. The two NBA stars played for the South Carolina Hornets in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit as teammates. While Zion was soon to be a freshman, Ja entered the 10th grade during that time. Who would have thought that these two AAU teammates would go on to be the top two picks in the NBA Draft?
Ja Morant And Zion Williamson’s NBA Careers
In his rookie season, Ja Morant started all 67 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 17.8 points on 47.7% shooting from the field with 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. However, Morant’s efforts came short as Memphis failed to reach the playoffs, finishing ninth in the Western Conference.
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Morant established his name in the league in the following three seasons with consecutive NBA Playoffs qualifications. However, injuries and suspension due to off-court controversies plagued the Grizzlies point guard’s 2023-24 season. He played just nine games that season while Memphis went from championship contenders to 13th ranked Western Conference side.
On the other hand, Zion had a torn meniscus in his rookie year and missed the first 44 games. He played 24 games for the Pelicans in the 2019-20 season, averaging 22.5 points on 58.3% FG, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. In the next season, Zion played 61 games and improved his all-around performance with a career-high average of 27.8 points on 61.1% shooting from the field and 7.2 rebounds per game.
But the 6’6” forward has to deal with another injury that kept him out of an entire season. In September 2021, he underwent a season-ending surgery to fix a fifth metatarsal fracture. After starting 29 of the Pelicans’ first 37 games in the next season, he had a hamstring injury that ended his season.
| Statistics | Ja Morant | Zion Williamson |
| Total Games | 257 | 184 |
| Points | 22.5 | 24.7 |
| Rebounds | 4.8 | 6.5 |
| Assists | 7.4 | 4.1 |
| FG% | 47.2 | 59.2 |
Zion made a strong comeback in the 2023-24 season, which became his best NBA season based on total games played. He appeared in 70 games, averaging a team-high 22.9 points per game and second in average rebounds and steals.
In 2023, the Pelicans star reflected on his relationship with Morant. He told the Athletic, “Ja’s my guy. We grew up together. We were both on the same team, and nobody knew us. To see us both here now as All-Stars, it’s pretty crazy. He added, “If there’s anybody outside myself who I’d like to see win a ring, it’s Ja.”
Also Read: Is Zion Williamson Fat? Here Are Five Facts About New Orleans Pelicans Star’s Weight
Ja Morant Vs. Zion Williamson: NBA Career Comparison
Due to injuries, Zion played 73 games less than Ja despite enrolling in the same NBA Draft class. The Grizzlies guard appeared in three playoffs, averaging 27.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. Contrastingly, Zion never played in a playoff game due to injuries.
After missing the 2021-22 season, the Pelicans forward suffered an injury in the Play-In game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans in Round 1 in his absence.
| Statistics | Ja Morant | Zion Williamson |
| Total Wins | 4 | 4 |
| Points | 23.9 | 22.1 |
| Rebounds | 4.1 | 6.5 |
| Assists | 7.8 | 3.6 |
| FG% | 49.7 | 52.8 |
Zion and Ja faced each other eight times and shared four wins each. While the Pelicans star led in rebounds per game, the Grizzlies guard dominated the other four major categories.
Why 2024-25 Season Is Critical For Ja Morant And Zion Williamson?
The upcoming season will be crucial for both NBA stars as it will determine their long-term influence in the basketball world. The Grizzlies have already been among the top teams in the Western Conference with the point guard. With their key players Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, Memphis could become a championship contender this season.
On the other hand, Zion Williamson has to continue playing at a high level and staying healthy to make the Pelicans a dominant force. Despite losing in the Play-In loss against the Lakers, Zion dropped 40 points with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. New Orleans traded Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, adding strength to their offense. The 2024-25 season would be crucial for both NBA stars to establish their elite status in the league.
Also Read: “He’s Even Ten Times Better…”- Ziaire Williams Opens Up About His Relationship With Ja Morant
