Kevin Durant praises ‘unique’ and ‘athletic’ Ja Morant ahead of Nets-Grizzlies matchup

Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant has complimented Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, saying that the 23-year-old, fourth year NBA player is ‘doing some stuff that we’ve never seen before.’ 

Durant, 34, and who is now in his 15th year in the league, also called the 2019 2nd overall pick’s game ‘unique’ when asked if his playing style reminded him of any NBA legend from the past.

‘Nobody really,’ Durant told ESPN ahead of Monday night’s matchup between the Nets and the Grizzlies. ‘He’s a unique player. A lot of athleticism and creativity out there. Body type reminds you of somebody like — well he’s taller than A.I. [Allen Iverson], but a wiry, strong player … but he’s an incredible player, man.’ 

On Monday, NBA star Kevin Durant said Ja Morant is ‘doing some stuff we’ve never seen before’

Durant also described Morant’s game as unique and athletic as Westbrook’s and Derrick Rose’s

It’s not the first time that Durant has heaped praise on a player who could potentially be the face of the league in years to come. Last week, he said New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson was ‘one of one’ and compared him to some of the best big men from the late ’90s, early 2000’s, including Charles Barkley. 

When asked if Morant is of the same breed, the two-time NBA champion compared him to some of the most athletic guards to have played the game, and eulogized him further. 

‘All of these guys are one of ones,’ Durant said. ‘I’ve been in the league with DRose [Derrick Rose] and Russell Westbrook, so many athletic guards I’m missing, but those two stick out the most of me.’ 

‘The stuff they were doing was unheard of, and you’re seeing other guys doing the same thing. I’m sure he’s inspired by those two as well. The league’s in a great place,’ he added. 

For Durant, ‘Ja’ and Zion Williamson are of the same breed, calling both young stars ‘one of one’

Durant, who is in his 15th year in the NBA, will be looking to add to his two rings this season

Australian point guard, small forward Ben Simmons, who will only be playing his third game in a Nets uniform since being traded in February from the Philadelphia 76ers, backed Durant’s comments about the man sometimes only referred to as ‘Ja.’

‘He’s an incredible athlete,’ Simmons said after Friday’s first home win against the Toronto Raptors (105-109).

‘He pushes the pace, gets his team going, shares the ball. He’s relentless at the rim, so we just got to be physical. I think physical and communication is going to be our best thing.’