Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant has been crowned the NBA's 2021-22 Most Improved Player.
Morant, 22, was the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, but this year made a leap in his ability to score the ball, and guided his team to the second seed in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record.
After averaging 19 points per game at under 45 per cent shooting in 2020-21, Morant raised that figure to 27 points per game with career-best efficiency at 49 per cent from the field and 34 per cent from long range.
He also posted career-highs in three-point makes and attempts, rebounds per game and steals per game, with a small drop in assists.
Big 12 has some new ice @jamorant ? pic.twitter.com/qa1F14pHEc
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 25, 2022
The Grizzlies are currently tied at 2-2 in their first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Game 5 set to take place back in Memphis.
To win the award, Morant beat out fellow finalists Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland.
