In his third season in the NBA, Ja Morant wants to help the Memphis Grizzlies win the NBA championship, nothing less.

“This is our goal,” said the second choice in 2019. “I think that if we stay focused and if we continue to grow, it is a achievable goal. You should take it once a day. »

Memphis is 41-19 and sits close to the No. 2 Warriors in the West. The Grizzlies had a score of 9-10 on November 27.

Morand lost 12 games with a left knee injury and a championship pandemic protocol.

The Grizzlies and the Hornets have an average of 113.8 points in the NBA per game.

Memphis leads the track with 48.9 rebounds, 10.1 steals and 6.3 blocks per game. And Dillon Brooks of Ontario has only played 21 games due to injury.

“They are very good in attack and defense and they are creative,” said Golden State coach Steve Kerr. They have depth. You really have to watch them. »

The group began to form in 2018, when Jaren Jackson was selected fourth in the draft.

General manager Zach Kleiman has 12 players in their third season or less.

Center Steven Adams is the oldest in the ninth season.

Desmond Bain, who was selected 30th in 2020, surprises with 17.9 points per game and a success rate of 0.419 for a three-point shot.

Jackson is third in the NBA with 2.2 blocks per game at the club led by Taylor Jenkins, who was hired in June 2019.

“They’re giving you headaches,” said Pistons coach Dwayne Casey. I do not see many weaknesses. »

The Grizzlies are unbeaten in 19 games where they have scored at least 120 points.

They won six straight before losing 123-119 to the Blazers last Wednesday before the All-Star Game break.

They will play again on Thursday, in Minnesota.

The 22-year-old Morand averaged 26.8 points, ranking seventh in the league.

If he kept up the pace, he would finish with an average of at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. At age 22 and under, only Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson and Tracy McGrady have done it.

The Bucks’ Giannis Antitokoumbo sees Morand and the Grizzlies as another small-market club that can claim the title.

“They are amazing,” said Antitokunbo. They have the number 1 culture and a great coach. I think they can go to the end. »