Being one of the most dominant forces of all time, Shaquille O’Neal has a knack for spotting greatness. Over the years as an analyst, Shaq hasn’t been afraid of calling out players. But when it comes time to give props, the Big Diesel is always first. Let it be with the top guys like Joel Embiid or youngsters like Luka Doncic, Shaq never fails to give them praise. However, it seems he has a soft spot for a young brewing star in Memphis.

Being one of the 75 greatest players of all time. O’Neal knows a little something about being a great player. This season, Ja Morant has certainly made it into Shaq’s book. The third-year guard made his first All-Star appearance and has carried the Grizzlies on his back. Taking a major hike in his offensive production, he has emerged as one of the best players in the league.

However, Shaq being the master marketer he is, had to fuel the fire. Hence, when he met up with Ja, O’Neal gave him the crown for the best player.

Shaquille O’Neal deems Ja Morant the best

Shaq has given Ja high praise throughout this season. The Memphis guard has elevated his game to match up with some of the seasoned players in the league. Morant has proved his potential and keeps growing with the Grizzlies. After failing to make the playoffs last year, he made sure to see the job through this time as the Grizzlies hold the second seed in the West. Moreover, Morant has made a fan in Shaq who helped fuel the fire in the young guard by calling him the best player in the league.

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He said: “You should have seen his little cute face when I said you the best player in the league. I said I’m not paying with you brother, you the best. For real, I promise you the best. And he kind of believed it but he didn’t really believe. But once I validated that, he just.. he was already going that way, but I just had to light it. Listen, Ja is good, Penny was like that, Kobe was like that, this kid, it will definitely be his league.”

Shaq’s statement had fans in shock. However, Morant is making the impossible a reality. At the beginning of the season, no one expected the Grizzlies to be the top dogs. But Morant came out hot and hasn’t lost a step since. His 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists a night have made him one of the favorites to win a league MVP at the tender age of 22. In addition, he has the mentality to only get better.

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Currently taking a small market team like the Grizzlies to new heights, Ja Morant has already put his mark on the league. His athleticism and flashy style of play have taken the NBA world by storm. With no plans to stop anytime soon, Morant’s ceiling is yet to have a limit. Moreover, with Shaquille O’Neal backing him up, it is a clear indication that he is doing things right. From here, the only way is up for Morant as he heads into his first-ever playoffs.