Kevin Durant heaps reward on Grizzlies’ ‘distinctive’ Ja Morant

MEMPHIS — Brooklyn Nets star ahead Kevin Durant had excessive reward for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, noting that the 23-year-old level guard is “performing some stuff that we have by no means seen earlier than.”

When requested previous to Monday’s recreation towards the Grizzlies if Morant’s recreation reminded him of anybody, Durant stated it was distinctive.

“No one actually,” Durant stated. “He is a novel participant. Plenty of athleticism and creativity on the market. Physique sort reminds you of someone like — effectively he is taller than A.I. [Allen Iverson], however a wiry, robust participant … however he is an unbelievable participant, man.”

Durant stated final week that New Orleans Pelicans ahead Zion Williamson was a “one in all one” sort of participant due to athletic capacity and body. When requested if Morant might be positioned in the identical class, Durant famous a few of the most athletic guards in league historical past whereas praising Morant.

“All of those guys are one in all ones,” Durant stated. “I have been within the league with DRose [Derrick Rose] and Russell Westbrook, so many athletic guards I am lacking, however these two stick out essentially the most to me. The stuff they had been doing was unprecedented, and also you’re seeing different guys doing the identical factor. I am certain he is impressed by these two as effectively. The league’s in an amazing place.”

Nets swingman Ben Simmons echoed Durant’s feedback about Morant.

“He is an unbelievable athlete,” Simmons stated after the Nets’ win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday evening. “He pushes the tempo, will get his crew going, shares the ball. He is relentless on the rim, so we simply bought to be bodily. I believe bodily and communication goes to be our greatest factor.”