The Case for Ja Morant as the Number One Pick

Your guess for the number one pick in the next NBA Draft is probably going to be as good as mine. It'll probably be Zion Williamson from Duke. The six foot seven behemoth is a force to be reckoned with and is a massive body at his position. However, I'm going to try and sell you on the possibility of drafting Murray State's Ja Morant at number one.

Morant was the first collegiate player to post a triple double in an NCAA tournament game since Draymond Green did it with Michigan State in 2012 (Green got a triple double in an NCAA tournament game the previous year). Morant is excellent off the dribble and can also make plays and drive to the rim with devastating force. Granted, his lanky frame makes Zion preferable over Morant. However, there are certain defenses that Zion can't handle that Morant can, i.e. a set defense or a help defense.

There is also the talk about Morant not facing top competition enough, which is true. However, Morant's triple double against a Marquette team with a solid player in Markus Howard is proof that Morant can ball with the best. Mornat can rebound and make his teammates better, as proven in the Marquette/Murray State game. Morant's athleticism also makes him a desirable point guard, especially in off-motion plays.

It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Zion Williamson is going to be the number one pick in this summer's NBA Draft, barring that he returns to Duke for another year (honestly, why should he considering the NCAA stinks?). But if you want to root for a different number one draft pick, look at Ja Morant of Murray State!

Photo courtesy of GoRacers.com