After Hawks games, Ja Morant often texts Trae Young.
The two met and became friends over All-Star weekend when both played for Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge, and they’ve kept in touch ever since.
"I text him like 'Bro, you had 50,' " Grizzlies guard Morant said Monday at State Farm Arena after a 127-88 blowout win against the Hawks. "It's normally just 'Keep pushing, keep killing, keep leading your team.' Everybody knows he's that guy. He's just that brother."
Young, known for his playmaking, range and craftiness, had an off night in Monday’s loss, finishing with 19 points (0-for-4 from 3-point range) and two assists on the Hawks’ worst shooting performance of the season. Morant, known for his passing, athleticism and crazy finishes at the rim, had 13 points and five assists in a quieter performance than usual.
Aside from a highlight play here and there, for both young stars, their first matchup was an outlier of a game (Young is tied for third in the league in scoring at 29.6 points per game, with Morant averaging 17.6). But on the whole, both represent the next generation of NBA talent, with the Lakers’ LeBron James name-dropping Young, an All-Star starter in Year 2 and Morant, Rookie of the Year candidate, among players who are the league’s future.
As such, the two have formed a bond and mutual respect, with Morant looking up to Young.
“I study his game,” Morant said. “He’s one of the top point guards in this league. I play the same position. He sees many different coverages, I see many different coverages. So it’s just breaking down all the types of guards in this league, see what I can take from it and just keep going.”
Young recognizes Morant’s talent and what he’s been able to accomplish as a rookie.
“Ja’s having a hell of a year so far,” Young said. “He’s been leading his team, doing a great job of it, being a true floor general.”
There are certainly similarities between their styles — the pair recently sat down and chatted with Hall of Famer Steve Nash, who led the league in assists five times during his career, with both mentioning their pass-first mentality (Young is second in the league with 9.3 assists per game, and Morant is 12th with seven).
Even though Young is 21 and Morant is not far behind at 20, Young gives Morant advice whenever he needs it. It’s important to Young, who this year has demonstrated improvement in nearly every statistical category from his rookie season, to embrace a leadership role and pave the way for budding point guards across the league.
“I know I’m trying to set a standard for young guys, young point guards for sure, coming into the league,” Young said. “So for me, trying to be a great leader, great role model. Ja knows my line’s open whenever he needs me. That’s how it is.”
After the game Monday, Young and Morant exchanged jerseys, with Morant saying “Next generation” to Young as he handed his over.
“He’s a special talent,” Morant said. “I’m pretty sure everybody knows what he’s doing. Torching the league right now. A great guy off the court. He’s my guy. It was one of those next-generation games, for us to kind of show we can play with the top players in this league and just continue to try and get better, keep doing what we’re doing and keep leading our team.”
Even if Monday’s game wasn’t the firecracker many expected, Young knows that moving forward, he and Morant embody the upcoming generation of point guards.
“I know this is probably the future generation of point guards coming up,” Young said. “Especially me and him are up there. ... Obviously we both have a lot to work on and improve to be one of the greats, but I think it’s definitely a snapshot of what’s to come, to the young up-and-coming guys.”
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