The Memphis Grizzlies are a confident bunch.
Just ask the Golden State Warriors. The NBA champions arguably got their toughest playoff test from a Grizzlies team that showed zero backdown or deference during their second-round series in May.
None, of course, is more confident than Ja Morant. Take, for instance, his comments to Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks on Sunday. When asked about what he would say in a hypothetical conversation with Michael Jordan, Morant said that he would thank the NBA icon for inspiring a generation of basketball players. Also, he would ” have cooked” him the court.
“I wish I would have played in his generation,” Morant said. … “I would like to play against him. I would’ve cooked him too. Nobody got more confidence than 12.”
Morant’s comments prompted pearl-clutching from certain corners of the sports commentary world. As is to be expected. But if you’re the Memphis Grizzlies or a fan, this is exactly what you want to hear from your budding superstar. Morant’s fearless mindset is on display every time he steps on the court. He wouldn’t have earned his first All-NBA selection without it.
“I’m never gonna go and say nobody’s gonna beat me at one-on-one in anything,” Morant continued, with a smile on his face. “I don’t care what it is, what sport it is. Soccer. Who’s the best player in soccer? Come on, we can play.”
So would Morant have “cooked” Jordan. Doubtful. But if someone invents the time-traveling technology to make the Jordan vs. Morant in-their-prime game possible, sign us up for courtside seats.
Ja Morant is ready to take on all comers. (Bill Streicher/Reuters)
