Former Murray State point guard Ja Morant is a noted fan of Russell Westbrook. So, when the Oklahoma City Thunder were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, he was a bit upset.
Morant has said in the past that Westbrook is his favorite player and that he even modeled his game after his idol. He has even drawn comparisons to Westbrook given his athleticism and ability to take over games.
Of course, Morant is projected to be the No. 2 overall pick by most draft insiders. He averaged a career-high 24.5 points, 10 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals this season and led the Racers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Speaking on the Posted Up podcast with Yahoo Sports reporter Chris Haynes, Morant reiterated why Westbrook became his favorite NBA player.
I just like his all-around game doing points, rebounds and assists. I just like everything he does on the floor. That’s really how I try to play. I just take it as trying to do anything I can to help my team win. If I gotta score the ball, rebound the ball or make plays for my teammates.
Prior to the taping of the podcast, Haynes introduced Morant to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard through FaceTime. Morant enjoyed the conversation and likes his game, too.
But, he didn’t like what Lillard did to the Thunder.
[Lillard is a] tough player, man. [He] makes a lot of tough shots. He makes the game look easy. I hate he had to knock Westbrook out. It was a tough series. I actually wish it went to seven, I just liked the Dame and Westbrook matchup. It was really just two dogs going to battle.
After bursting onto the scene last season at Murray State, many are excited to see his game at the next level. Some have even said that they would take him over Zion Williamson, the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
While that will certainly be debated in the coming weeks, Morant will continue to prepare for the draft and hit the gym. He says he still wants to pack on some weight to handle the physicality of the NBA.
With the NBA Draft order still to be determined, it is unclear where Morant will ultimately land but it should make for an entertaining matchup that first time he sees Westbrook and the Thunder next season.
The NBA Draft is June 20.
