Kevin Durant had high praise for Ja Morant, calling the all-star point guard a “future Hall of Famer” ahead of the Nets’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Morant was ruled out of the game due to left knee soreness, but the Nets superstar has clearly been impressed by the 22-year-olds play. The third-year point guard has taken the league by storm this season and is averaging 27.6 points per game.
“He’s a combination of players, I feel,” Durant said. “I think the greatest players in our game can transform into anybody at any given point. I think Ja’s on the way to that. When he’s playing, I see two or three, four different Hall of Famers in his game. From (Allen) Iverson, he might make a (Michael) Jordan-like layup, or he might run down the court like a (Russel) Westbrook or a (Derrick Rose). His float game is up there with some of the best that’s ever played.
“I don’t want to gas him up too much since we playing against him, but I think the sky’s the limit for him. His future is obviously bright and he makes everybody better playing against him.”
Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has not been surprised that Morant has led Memphis to one of their best seasons in some time. The Grizzlies entered Wednesday’s game against the Nets winning 15 of their last 20 games.
Durant said he has enjoyed watching the team that Memphis has built around Morant.
“When you look at the collection of guys that they have, all hard-nosed guys with chips on their shoulder and they well-coached,” Durant said. “You got a future Hall of Famer at the head of the snake, he just makes everybody better. You got the addition of Steven Adams, Kyle Anderson, you got Tyus Jones. Solid veteran players that can help some of the younger guys in the league. I think they got a good mixture of players on their team.”
The Nets superstar is certainly an authority when it comes to success on the court and leading a team in a big way. Durant has been the Nets’ most important player and he has had a number of monster performances, including on Monday at Barclays Center.
Durant scored 37 points, in the Nets’ 114-106 win over the Utah Jazz and he passed Hall of Famer Jerry West on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list. Durant now sits in 22nd place.
Durant called it an “honor” to be on any list with legends of the game. He is averaging 30.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists, in March.
