Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant are two of the most exciting young players in the NBA today. Both are explosive guards who can score, pass and dunk with ease. But are they related by blood or just by basketball?
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The Answer: No, They Are Not Related
According to various sources, there is no biological relationship between Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant. They have different parents, different siblings and different backgrounds. However, they do share some similarities in their game and their personality.
The Comparison: Why They Are Often Linked Together
Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant have been compared to each other ever since Ivey’s breakout season at Purdue in 2021-22. Ivey averaged 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, leading the Boilermakers to a Big Ten title and a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. He also showed off his athleticism and creativity with some highlight-reel plays, such as this one:
Many NBA scouts and analysts saw glimpses of Ja Morant in Ivey’s game. Morant, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, is one of the most dynamic point guards in the league. He averaged 19.1 points, 7.4 assists and 4 rebounds per game in his second season, leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. He also has a knack for making jaw-dropping plays, such as this one:
The similarities between Ivey and Morant go beyond their skills and style. They also have a close friendship and a mutual respect for each other. They worked out together last summer before their respective seasons and developed a bond. Morant was one of Ivey’s biggest supporters during the NBA draft, tweeting his excitement when the Detroit Pistons selected him with the No Ivey also expressed his admiration for Morant in an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report after he was drafted:
“He’s like a big brother to me,” Ivey said of Morant. “He’s been helping me throughout this whole process. He’s been giving me advice on how to handle everything.”
The Conclusion: They Are Not Related, But They Are Friends
Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant are not related by blood, but they are related by basketball. They have similar games, similar personalities and similar goals. They also have a genuine friendship that transcends their rivalry on the court. They are both young stars who are ready to make their mark in the NBA.
