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Memphis, Tenn – On April 25 Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was announced as the NBA’s 2021-2022 Most Improved Player of the Year. Although, despite earning the award, Morant did not initially try to receive it and instead gave it to his teammate Desmond Bane.
The award going to Morant made NBA history as the young guard was the first player Memphis Grizzlies player to receive this honor. Morant also became the first player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year and go on to win the Most Improved Player award.
Morant’s Leap
Morant’s certainly improved in comparison from this season to his previous one. Morant had an eight-point increase and a four percent improvement in his field goal percentage.
The Murray State alumni also posted a career- highs in minutes, rebounds, free throws made (5.5), steals (1,16 SPG), three points made (1.5), and a three-point percentage (34.4%).
Morant also became the first guard in NBA history to lead all players in points per game (16.5). His fantastic play earned him his first all-star appearance and the Grizzlies a 56-26 record and the second seed in the Western Conference.
Morant’s Disagreement
Based on the voting Morant was the clear runaway for the MIP award. Earning 38 more points than his second-place competitor San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray.
However, Morant did not see it this way. Before announcing the award, Morant disagreed with his nomination claiming that Bane should have been nominated over him.
Morant’s actions followed exactly what his words said weeks before. Shortly after receiving the award, Morant gave an off-the-court assist to teammate Desmond Bane, by dropping off the trophy in Bane’s kitchen.
It did not take long for Bane to find the trophy and disagree. While he seems to appreciate the gesture as he’s smiling in the video, he refuses to accept the gift stating, “Man take it back 12.”
Bane’s Case for the Award
Although he did not finish as a final candidate for the MIP, Bane certainly had a case to be considered for the award. Over the past season, Desmond Bane has made massive strides in improving his game.
In his sophomore campaign, Bane almost doubled his PPG (9.2 to 18.2) and increased his rebounds (3.1 to 4.4 RPG), and assists (4.4 to 3.1).
By opening night, Bane earned a spot in Memphis’ starting rotation. However, despite his minutes (22.3 to 29.8) and attempts per game nearly doubling (7.3 to 14.5), Bane’s field goal percentage had stayed nearly identical, shooting 46% from the field and 43% from three-point range in both of his seasons in the NBA.
To see Bane’s production and minutes rise while his efficiency remains the same is certainly an impressive feat. Bane and Morant will look to continue their great season in their series for the Golden State Warriors.
Memphis currently trails the series down one to zero to Golden State. The Grizzlies will look to bounce back this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. PST.
