Following his first two NBA seasons that resulted in a Rookie of the Year award and leading the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs after a three-year absence, Ja Morant broke out in his third year. He averaged career-highs in points, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage, while also making his first NBA All-Star team, 2nd team All-NBA, and leading the Grizzlies past the first round of the playoffs.
What followed was turmoil, spearheaded by off-court troubles and image issues with the NBA that resulted in him being suspended for 33 games over the next two seasons. Following the youthful mistakes was a rash of injuries that kept him off the court more than he and the team would've liked.