Just a week into his fourth season in the NBA, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is again taking the league by storm, and everyone is taking notice. Among those wowed by the 23-year-old's continued ascension is Nets forward Kevin Durant, someone who knows a thing or two about being a superstar at a young age.
With the Nets in Memphis for an early-season showdown with the Grizzlies, it was Morant's star that shined brightest as he lead his team to a statement victory. After the game, Durant gave some meaningful praise to the guard.
"He's the most marketable guy in our league — the face of our league going forward," Durant told reporters postgame, per ESPN's Nick Friedell. "There are so many kids that are inspired by what he does."
MORE: Ja Morant continues to add submissions to insane highlight reel
More than just having last names that rhyme, Durant and Morant share some similarities in their respective journeys. Both players were selected second overall in their respective draft classes and broke out to earn Rookie of the Year honors, placing them each on the fast track toward making a leap into superstardom.
Beyond the parallels, it should be clear that Durant is a massive fan of Morant's.
Last season, Durant spoke of Morant as a "future Hall of Famer," explaining that Memphis' guard has elements of Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook in his game.
Fast forward a few months, and Durant is using some of those same names to try to describe what Morant does on a nightly basis, only to clarify by saying that Morant is a one-of-one.
MORE: How Nets can build on scary potential shown in early-season win
Morant's unique ability as a player coupled with his competitive nature and magnetic personality is exactly why Durant envisions him as the face of the NBA moving forward.
Seeing this performance firsthand likely helped, too:
Ja Morant tonight in the @memgrizz win:
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2022
38 PTS
8 REB
7 AST
2 STL
He's on FIRE to start the season. 🔥 #KiaTipOff22 pic.twitter.com/2rZKtySQmF
At 23, Morant is one of a host of special young players in the league under the age of 25, a group that also includes fellow All-NBA Team members Luka Doncic (23), Jayson Tatum (24) and Trae Young (24). This season, 22-year-old Zion Williamson will look to join that group as well.
The league is in great hands.
