Richard Jefferson Sparks Debate with Ja Morant All-Time Grizzlies Claim

The former NBA champion believes Morant is the biggest superstar in Grizzlies history.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:20am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Grizzlies' team colors of navy blue, light blue, and gold, conceptually representing the complex legacy of Ja Morant with the franchise.Ja Morant's legacy with the Memphis Grizzlies sparks debate as the franchise considers a rebuild.Memphis Today

Richard Jefferson, a former NBA champion, sparked debate by claiming that Ja Morant is the biggest superstar the Memphis Grizzlies have ever had, despite Morant's struggles during the team's rough 2025-26 season. Jefferson acknowledged the contributions of past Grizzlies stars like Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley, but argued that Morant's global fame and individual accolades, including Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player, make him the franchise's biggest superstar.

Why it matters

Morant's value and future with the Grizzlies have been called into question after a down year, but Jefferson's comments suggest the team may still view him as their centerpiece going forward, even as they consider a rebuild. This debate highlights the evolving legacy of Grizzlies basketball and the difficulty of comparing stars from different eras.

The details

Despite Morant's least efficient scoring season, averaging 19.5 points per game on 52.1% true shooting, Jefferson believes the point guard remains the biggest superstar the Grizzlies have ever had. Jefferson cited Morant's individual accolades, including Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player, as well as his global fame and having his own Nike shoe, as evidence that he is more of a superstar than past Grizzlies greats like Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley.

  • The Memphis Grizzlies just endured a rough 2025-26 season, falling way short of expectations and deciding to rebuild instead after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline.

The players

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star point guard who had a down year in 2025-26 but is still viewed by Richard Jefferson as the biggest superstar in franchise history.

Richard Jefferson

A former NBA champion who made the claim that Ja Morant is the biggest superstar the Grizzlies have ever had.

Zach Randolph

A former Grizzlies star who was part of the 'grit and grind' era of the team.

Tony Allen

A former Grizzlies star who was part of the 'grit and grind' era of the team.

Marc Gasol

A former Grizzlies star who was part of the 'grit and grind' era of the team.

Mike Conley

A former Grizzlies star who was part of the 'grit and grind' era of the team.

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What they’re saying

“Ja Morant is the biggest superstar they've ever had. Inside of Memphis, he is the biggest superstar. He has his own shoe with Nike. Rookie of the Year, he was Most Improved Player. He is the most famous guy to ever play for their franchise in that space. And that's all respect to Pau Gasol.”

— Richard Jefferson, Former NBA Champion

“If you ask me i the last 20 years, like I love the grit and grind group. Zach Randolph, that's my dude, like Tony Allen, so much respect. Marc Gasol, Mike Conley one of the great dudes in the league. So much respect for them.”

— Richard Jefferson, Former NBA Champion

The takeaway

This debate over Ja Morant's legacy with the Grizzlies highlights the difficulty of comparing superstars across different eras. While Morant may have more individual accolades and global fame, the 'grit and grind' Grizzlies teams of the past built a strong local identity and fanbase. Ultimately, Morant's future with the franchise will depend on whether he can bounce back and lead the team to sustained success, even as they consider a rebuild.