Grizzlies intend to select Ja Morant at No. 2 in the 2019 NBA Draft

In this year’s draft lottery, the Memphis Grizzlies saw ping pong balls fall their way as they were able to secure the second overall pick behind the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans are highly anticipated to take Duke standout forward Zion Williamson with the first overall selection. With that in mind, the Grizzlies have made it known that they intend to take former Murray State point guard Ja Morant with their pick next month, according to Jonathan Givoy of ESPN.

The Memphis Grizzlies have told interested parties in Chicago, where the NBA draft combine is underway, that they intend to select Murray State guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick next month, provided the New Orleans Pelicans take Duke’s Zion Williamson first overall, sources told ESPN.

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as Morant is believed to be the second-best talent in the draft behind Williamson. It also helps that the Grizzlies are in need of a long-term replacement for veteran point guard Mike Conley.

It’s no secret that Memphis had attempted to move on from Conley this past season prior to the trade deadline. This is likely something they will explore once again this offseason prior to the draft and throughout the summer. There is still plenty that can unfold on that front, but this makes it clear that Morant is the future cornerstone player they hope to build around.

With there still being several weeks until the draft takes place, this appears to be all but a formality for the top two selections.