Ja Morant Comparisons: The NBA’s Best Comeback Stories to Watch
Published June 12, 2024 | Updated June 12, 2024
Ja Morant’s 2023-24 season—marked by a 17.1 points-per-game average, 6.6 assists, and a return to All-Star form—mirrors the trajectories of NBA players who once dominated before injuries, struggles, or off-court issues derailed their careers. The most instructive comparisons come from players who hit rock bottom statistically before rebounding to elite levels: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Paul George. Each case offers lessons in resilience, roster construction, and coaching adjustments that could apply to Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies as they push for a deep postseason run.
Morant’s 2023-24 campaign—his first since a 2022-23 season where he averaged just 16.9 points and 6.1 assists—has reignited conversations about players who’ve clawed their way back from career lows. The NBA has a history of such resurgences, but the most relevant models are those who combined elite two-way production with sustained longevity. These players didn’t just recover; they redefined their legacies.
Why These Comparisons Matter for Morant’s Future
Morant’s path to redemption shares key traits with three All-Stars whose careers hit nadirs before roaring back:
- Carmelo Anthony: A two-time scoring champ who saw his points per game drop to 16.8 in 2016-17 (Houston Rockets) before averaging 25.6 in 2018-19 (Houston).
- Chris Paul: The 2014-15 MVP candidate who posted career-low averages (16.1 PPG, 7.5 APG) in 2016-17 (Lakers) before leading the Thunder to the playoffs in 2018-19.
- Paul George: A 2018 All-Star who averaged 17.3 PPG in 2019-20 (after ACL surgery) before returning to All-NBA form in 2021-22 (19.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG).
All three cases hinge on three variables: injury recovery, roster support, and coaching adjustments. For Morant, the Grizzlies’ ability to replicate these elements could determine whether his rebound is temporary or transformative.
Carmelo Anthony: How a 20-Point Decline Became a 25-Point Revival
Anthony’s 2016-17 season with Houston (16.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.6 APG) was his lowest output since 2007-08. By 2018-19, he was averaging 25.6 points on 47.2% shooting—partly due to a career-high 53.5% from three and a revamped offensive system under Mike D’Antoni.
Key Factors in His Comeback
- Offensive System Shift: D’Antoni’s spacing-heavy motion offense allowed Anthony to attack closeouts and exploit matchups. Morant, too, thrives in fast breaks but has struggled in half-court sets—something Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins may need to refine.
- Roster Synergy: Houston surrounded Anthony with shooters (Eric Gordon, Clint Capela) who stretched defenses, creating driving lanes. The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 roster (Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks) mirrors this dynamic.
- Mental Reset: Anthony credited a “clean slate” mindset after a 2017 trade to the Rockets. Morant, too, has spoken about “rebuilding trust” with teammates and coaches.
Stat Check: Anthony’s 2018-19 season was his 11th straight with at least 20 PPG—a feat only Michael Jordan and LeBron James have matched. Morant, at 25, has the chance to extend his own multi-year consistency.
Chris Paul: From 7.5 Assists to Playoff Leadership in Two Years
Paul’s 2016-17 season with the Lakers (16.1 PPG, 7.5 APG, 38.2% FG) was his worst since 2005-06. By 2018-19, he was leading the Thunder to the playoffs with 19.2 PPG and 8.5 APG—despite playing through a torn ACL in 2017.
How He Did It
- Defensive Recommitment: Paul slashed his turnovers (21.3% in 2016-17 → 13.8% in 2018-19) by adopting a more disciplined half-court approach. Morant’s 2023-24 turnover rate (4.1 per 36 minutes) is elite, but his defensive intensity remains a work in progress.
- Coaching Trust: Billy Donovan gave Paul free reign to call plays, even in half-court sets. Jenkins has done the same, but Morant’s usage rate (31.2%) suggests he may need more offensive structure.
- Physical Conditioning: Paul worked with strength coach Mark Smith to regain explosive first-step quickness. Morant’s 2023-24 speed (3.5 seconds in the lane per NBA.com splits) is back to 2021 levels.
Playoff Test: Paul’s 2019 Thunder made the playoffs with a 44-38 record—proving a resurgence could still deliver postseason success. The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 51-31 record suggests Morant’s rebound has similar potential.
Paul George: How a Post-Surgery Slump Became an MVP Candidate
George’s 2019-20 season (17.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.3 APG) was his lowest output since 2013-14. By 2021-22, he was an All-NBA First Team selection (19.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG) and a defensive anchor.
The Science Behind His Recovery
- ACL Protocol: George’s accelerated rehab under Dr. James Andrews included dry-needling and plyometrics to restore knee stability. Morant’s 2022-23 hamstring issues may require a similar tailored approach.
- Defensive Redemption: George’s 2021-22 defensive rating (102.1) was his best since 2015-16. Morant’s 104.5 DRtg in 2023-24 is a step forward but not yet elite.
- Contract Motivation: George’s 2021 max deal ($228M over 5 years) gave him financial stakes to sustain his play. Morant’s 2023 extension ($220M over 5 years) could serve as similar motivation.
Longevity Lesson: George’s 2023-24 season (19.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG) proved his resurgence wasn’t a one-year fluke. At 34, Morant has a similar window to extend his prime.
How Memphis Can Mirror These Comebacks
The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 roster and coaching staff have already implemented elements from these models:
| Factor | Carmelo’s Path | Chris Paul’s Path | Paul George’s Path | Grizzlies’ Current Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive System | Spacing + iso finishes | Half-court control | Pick-and-roll dominance | Fast-break + secondary break (Jenkins’ system) |
| Roster Support | 3 shooters (Gordon, Capela, Westbrook) | Playmaking bigs (Robinson, Adams) | Versatile wings (Tatum, SGA) | Shooters (Brooks, Jackson Jr.) + rim protectors (Jackson Jr.) |
| Defensive Role | Switchable 3-and-D | Lockdown perimeter stopper | Elite two-way wing | Hybrid guard (Morant’s 104.5 DRtg is improving) |
| Coaching Adjustments | More iso opportunities | Trust in playcalling | Defensive emphasis | Blending Morant’s iso with team offense |
Wildcard: Morant’s All-Star selection in 2024 marks his first since 2021—a vote of confidence. But sustaining this level requires addressing his free-throw percentage (78.3%), which remains a career low.
The Grizzlies’ 2024-25 Challenge: Can Morant Stay Elite?
Morant’s 2023-24 season was a masterclass in redemption, but the real test comes in 2024-25. Three scenarios emerge:
- The Carmelo Path: Morant maintains his scoring (20+ PPG) and usage (30%+) while improving his half-court game. The Grizzlies’ roster depth (Brooks, Jackson Jr.) could support this.
- The Chris Paul Path: Morant refines his playmaking (8+ APG) and defensive intensity (100+ DRtg), becoming a true two-way star. This would require a sharper focus on turnovers and perimeter defense.
- The Paul George Path: Morant extends his prime into his mid-30s with a monster contract (like George’s 2021 deal) as motivation. This hinges on his 2024-25 free-throw and three-point shooting.
Playoff Pressure: The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 51-31 record earned them the No. 3 seed in the West. If Morant stays healthy and productive, Memphis could challenge for the No. 1 seed in 2024-25—a test of his sustained resurgence.
Lessons from the NBA’s Greatest Comebacks
- Injuries demand tailored rehab: George’s ACL protocol and Paul’s strength work show that physical recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.
- Roster construction matters: Anthony and Paul thrived with shooters and playmaking bigs—elements the Grizzlies already have.
- Coaching trust is non-negotiable: Donovan and D’Antoni gave their stars creative freedom; Jenkins must do the same for Morant.
- Defense can’t be an afterthought: George and Paul’s defensive rebirths proved two-way play extends careers.
- Contract stakes amplify effort: George’s max deal and Morant’s extension could be the difference between a one-year bounce and a multi-year prime.
Morant’s story isn’t over—it’s entering its most critical chapter. The Grizzlies’ ability to replicate the blueprints of Anthony, Paul, and George will determine whether his 2023-24 resurgence is a footnote or the start of a new era. Follow Archysport’s NBA coverage for updates on Morant’s training camp, roster moves, and the Grizzlies’ playoff push.
What do you think: Can Morant sustain this level? Share your predictions in the comments.
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