Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has drawn comparisons to Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook since he’s an athletic point guard who can jump out of the gym and glide across the court with the ball in his hands due to his elite speed. The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year is only in his third season, but he already has several poster dunks like Rose and Westbrook had during their younger days with the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively.

Morant is putting up MVP-type numbers this season. Grizzlies fans see a lot of Rose in the South Carolina native since D-Rose won MVP in his third season with the Bulls back in 2010-11. However, Morant doesn’t believe people should compare him to the former Bulls superstar.

Ja Morant: “There can never be another Derrick Rose”

During an interview with Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports, Morant said while he can see the similarities between him and Rose, he thinks there can never be another Windy City Assassin.

“I definitely see the comparisons, but D-Rose is one of a kind and one special player and you can see the similarities, sure, but there can never be another Derrick Rose,” Morant said. “I’m just trying to be my own player and do what I do on the floor and help my teams win basketball games and continue to get better.”

In 2010-11, Rose averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists and led the Bulls to the best record in the NBA at the age of 22. He became the youngest player to win MVP and guided his hometown team to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

Morant faces an uphill battle to win MVP this season. However, there is no denying that he’s just as spectacular as Rose was back in the day.

Ja Morant is special

Morant is averaging 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists for the Grizzlies this season. Like Rose did in 2010-11, the Grizzlies guard puts on a show every night and has completed some thrilling dunks in traffic.

“I put in the work,” Morant said. “I know I’ve put in the work so I’m confident going into every shot, make or miss. I know that if I get another open look, you better believe I’m going to let it fly. Coach just says to me, ‘Next shot, next play, stay aggressive.’ I know he’s going to say it, so I don’t even look for him to say anything anymore.”

Hopefully, Morant doesn’t suffer multiple knee injuries like Rose, who has undergone four knee surgeries since winning his MVP Award. As long as Morant stays healthy, he will be a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.

However, Rose has shown the youngster that he’s still a force despite having damaged knees.

Derrick Rose has played well against the Grizzlies star

Rose has averaged 22.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in three games versus Morant in his career. He has a record of 2-1.

Meanwhile, Morant has put up 16.7 points, 8.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game against Rose.

It’s great that Morant has so much respect for Rose. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if Ja can win an MVP and become an NBA legend like Rose. Whenever the two guards play each other, expect both guys to attack one another since they are fierce competitors and love getting the best of their opponent.