Luka vs Ja: ESPN analysts would start a new team with Morant instead of Doncic / News - Basketnews.com

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After Mike Greenberg had tweeted a poll asking which 22-year-old superstar people would want to start a team with, Ja Morant or Luka Doncic, the NBA Countdown crew made their picks.

3-pointers this season

33%12,2Points made:12,2Accuracy:33,1%Place in standings:12Record max:19Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Tim HardawayTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

All three: Jalen Rose, Stephen A. Smith, and Michael Wilbon chose Ja over Luka because they see Morant's better attitude towards the physical form, moreover, Grizzlies' rising star is a constant threat in penetrating the rim and finishing around the basket, and is a lockdown defender, according to them.

"I love Luka. The problem is there are too many questions about Luka's commitment to conditioning and being in shape. You never say that about Ja Morant. He is always ready and that's who I am investing my money on," Stephen A. Smith said.

Jalen Rose followed his colleague: "Ja Morant, I agree with Stephen: constant attack, third in the NBA by points in the paint, second in fast-break points, number one in the NBA in finishing layups and dunks."

"I want a guy, who is going to play both ways. Ja is a factor on the defensive end, while Luka is not. So, I am going with Ja as well," added Michael Wilbon.

Though, Luka Doncic showed his class last night, proving he deserved more. The Slovenian wunderkind recorded 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his 40th career triple-double, as the Dallas Mavericks (23-19) rolled to a 112-85 road victory over Memphis (30-15) to halt the Grizzlies' franchise-record winning streak at 11 games.

For his part, Ja Morant had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. Both guards turned the ball over many times, as Luka made 6 turnovers while Ja registered 8.

Doncic is averaging 24.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists over 26 games while Morant is posting 24.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists in 30 duels this season.

Via NBA.com, Grizzlies guard captured seventh place in the 2022 NBA MVP Ladder. Luka did not make it into the top 10.

Ja also overtakes Luka in NBA All-Star fan voting, receiving 1,633,313 votes and sitting in second place between Western Conference guards. Doncic is lurking behind him (3rd) with 1,410,605 votes.

NBA Countdown:

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