Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies weren’t supposed to be this good so early. Typically, a team with the league’s second-youngest roster focuses on player development and draft positioning. They are not meant to challenge title contenders, let alone while important players are absent. Nonetheless, the Grizzlies appear to be moving quickly in their reconstruction, with an identity based on attacking the basket, dogged defense, and getting out of transition.

Guard Ja Morant has been a driving force behind their rise to prominence. On a nightly basis, he is arguably the most explosive player in the game, and it is nearly certain that he will have a play or two that blows up the next morning. (Even his misses are absurd). Since being selected second overall in the 2019 draft, his play and leadership have helped propel the team from the shadows of the “Grit and Grind” era to this season’s MVP battle.

GQ interviewed the first-time All-Star to discuss what makes this Grizzlies team unique, his “see-it-eat-it” diet philosophy, and some of his favorite home-cooked meals.
Ja Morant: It’s the culture we’ve created here, as well as the relationships we’ve developed with one another on and off the court across the organization. It simply helps everyone to play with confidence while they’re out there. We all know what the goal is and what we want to do on the floor, which makes things easier. You know you’re going to get the same enthusiasm and effort from every player on the floor, whether they’re in or out.
The season was suspended during your rookie year due to COVID. You and your father organized this training camp, where you studied cinema and gained muscle. When you reflect on that moment, how important do you believe it was for you?

I don’t think it was more significant than the previous offseason I had before this season began. Obviously, that experience helped me become a better player, but I believe my current offseason has allowed me to play at the level I am today.


What did you do different?


I’ve just locked in. Obviously, film is an important aspect of the evolution. I worked on shots I generally take during the game and focused solely on increasing weight. It wasn’t much different than the previous offseason, though. I just felt more committed after a few years.