If you’re an avid NBA enthusiast, you’re likely well acquainted with the dynamic and talented Ja Morant, currently making waves with the Memphis Grizzlies. This article delves into his basketball career and personal life.
Quick Facts
Full Name
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Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant
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Birth Date
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August 10, 1999
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Birth Place
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Dalzell, South Carolina, U.S.
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Nickname
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Ja Morant
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Religion
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Unknown
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Nationality
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American
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Ethnicity
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African-American
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Education
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Crestwood High School
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Murray State University
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Horoscope
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Leo
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Father’s Name
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Tee Morant
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Mother’s Name
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Jamie Morant
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Siblings
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One
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Age
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24 Years Old
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Height
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6’3″ (1.91 m)
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Weight
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174 lb (79 kg)
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Build
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Athletic
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Eye Color
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Black
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Hair Color
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Brown
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Profession
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Basketball Player
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Active Years
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2019-Present
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Current Team
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Marital Status
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Unmarried
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Ex-Girlfriend
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Kadre Dixon
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Kids
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Kaari Jaidyn Morant
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Net Worth
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$3 million
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Salary
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$9,603,360
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Social Media
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Merch
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Ja Morant Early Life, Family, and Education
Born as Demetrius Jamel Morant on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, Ja Morant hails from a sports-oriented family. His father, Tee Morant, played basketball for Claflin University and even participated in an NBA camp in Dallas. Meanwhile, his mother, Jamie Morant, was a high school point guard and college softball player.
Growing up alongside his younger sister, Teniya Morant, a budding basketball player, Ja was nurtured in an environment that cherished sports. He attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, exhibiting exceptional skills and earning accolades, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.
Post-high school, Ja embarked on a journey with Murray State University from 2017 to 2019. Despite not receiving a scholarship initially, he caught the attention of the Murray State coaching staff, earning himself a scholarship and making significant contributions to the team.
Ja Morant Age, Height, and Nationality
At 24, Ja Morant is a testament to the Leo zodiac sign, characterized by passion and creativity. With an impressive athletic physique with a height of 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) and 174 pounds (79 kilograms), Morant is meticulous about his fitness, emphasizing a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Beyond his physical attributes, Morant sports black eyes, brown hair, and a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm, bearing the family name ‘Morant.’
Recruiting
Morant’s recruiting journey was unconventional. Despite being lightly recruited, he caught the attention of the mid-major program Murray State during an accidental discovery by assistant coach James Kane. Morant committed to Murray State in 2016, choosing a program that valued him over more prominent schools. His decision reflected his father’s advice: “Don’t go where you want to be; go where they want you.”
College Career
First Year
As a freshman, Morant immediately impacted at Murray State, earning first-team all-conference honors in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). He showcased his versatility with a triple-double and played a crucial role in Murray State’s OVC Championship win, leading them to the NCAA Tournament.
Sophomore Year
In his sophomore season, Morant’s star continued to rise. He recorded multiple triple-doubles, broke school records, and became the first NCAA player to average over 20 points and ten assists per game in a single season. His performance earned him OVC Player of the Year All-American honors, marking his decision to enter the 2019 NBA draft.
Professional Career
Memphis Grizzlies (2019–present)
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. The following seasons saw Morant lead the Grizzlies to their first playoff appearance in four years and achieve personal milestones, including being named an NBA All-Star and winning the Most Improved Player Award.
In the 2022–23 season, Morant signed a lucrative contract extension with the Grizzlies and continued to excel on the court, earning All-Star selection for the second time.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Unfortunately, Morant’s career has not been without controversy. In February 2023, an altercation involving Morant’s associates and members of the Indiana Pacers led to an investigation. Subsequently, Morant faced scrutiny for an Instagram Live video displaying a gun, showing his temporary absence from the team and a suspension from the NBA.
Later in the same year, Morant faced legal issues, including a lawsuit accusing him of assaulting a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game. Reports emerged of Morant allegedly brandishing a gun after the incident, and additional incidents involving threats at a mall and a strip club further tarnished his public image.
Personal Life and Achievements
Morant has a younger sister, Teniya, who shares his love for basketball. He has a daughter born in 2019. His left arm bears a tattoo with the words “beneath no one,” advice from his mother.
Media and Recognition
Morant’s impact extends beyond the court. He released a documentary, “Promiseland,” chronicling his first NBA season. Rappers like J. Cole and Moneybagg Yo have acknowledged Morant in their music, celebrating his underdog journey and Rookie of the Year title.
Ja Morant’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and the challenges of success. While his on-court skills continue to dazzle, his off-court choices have sparked public debate and scrutiny. The NBA and the Grizzlies organization are closely monitoring and addressing the controversies surrounding one of the league’s rising stars.
Net Worth and Salary
Morant’s success on the court has translated into financial prosperity. As of 2023, Ja Morant boasts a net worth of approximately $3 million, with an estimated annual salary of $9,603,360. His lucrative contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, valued at $17 million, reflects his standing as one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Living a lavish lifestyle, Morant resides in an opulent Memphis residence and owns an array of cars, including a white Audi A8 and a red Dodge Charger, gifted to his parents. Beyond his basketball endeavors, Morant is associated with renowned brands like Nike and is a Hyper Ice, Inc. brand ambassador.
Relationship and Family
While Morant’s professional life soars, his personal life has seen its share of twists; previously in a relationship with KK Dixon (Kadre Dixon), Morant and Dixon share a daughter named Kaari Jaidyn Morant, born on August 7, 2019. The couple, however, parted ways, keeping the details of their separation private.
Currently unmarried, Ja Morant is focusing on his career, taking on a single lifestyle with occasional breaks to explore different parts of the world.
Social Media Presence
Active on social platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Ja Morant shares glimpses of his life, including precious moments with his daughter. To stay connected with Morant, fans can follow him on:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ja Morant’s jersey number?
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Ja wears jersey number 12 while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Why did Tee Morant, Ja’s father, stop playing basketball?
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After playing basketball for Claflin University, Tee Morant took a hiatus from the sport when his wife was pregnant, focusing on caring for his family and working as a barber.
Ja Morant’s Ex Girlfriend KK Dixon: Education, Career and Personal Life
The charismatic Ja Morant’s romantic journey has been a rollercoaster, with his name linked to various women, including a tennis star and Instagram influencer, Brooklyn Nikole, who happens to be the sister of rapper Latto. Morant’s dating adventures have often made headlines, notably when he was linked with Canadian pop star Drake’s ex-girlfriend, Johanna Leia.
Read on for a detailed exploration of Morant’s dating history and the intriguing twists in his personal life. But before delving into the details, check out the quick facts about KK Dixon in the table below.
Quick Facts
Full Name
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Kadre Dixon
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Nick Name
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KK Dixon
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Age Birthdate
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August 31, 1999
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Age
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24 Years Old
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Birthplace
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Antonie, Arkansas, United States
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Father’s Name
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DeShannon Dixon
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Mother’s Name
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Christal Dixon
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Sibling
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Tyrik Dixon, & Baylee Dixon
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Nationality
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American
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Marital Status
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Unmarried
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Ex-Boyfriend
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Ja Morant
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Ex-Boyfriend Profession
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Professional Basketball Player
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Children
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One Daughter (Kaari Jaidyn Morant)
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Religion
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Christianity
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Height
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5 Feet 6 Inches /1.70 m/170 cm
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Weight
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143.3 lbs./64 kg
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Hair Color
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Black
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Eye Color
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Dark Brown
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Ethnicity
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Mixed
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Tattoos
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Yes
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Zodiac Sign
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Virgo
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Profession
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Influencer & Model
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Education
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Fisk University
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Salary
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Not Known
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Net Worth
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$200,000
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Social Media
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Early Life & Education of KK Dixon
Born and raised on August 31, 1999, in Antonie, Arkansas, KK Dixon is the middle child of her parents, DeShannon and Christal Dixon. Growing up with two siblings, Tyrik Dixon and Baylee Dixon, KK’s family has a background in basketball, with Tyrik having played for the Missouri State Bears.
KK Dixon pursued her graduate studies at Fisk University, combining academics with her passion for sports. Alongside her studies, she actively participates in basketball and volleyball. The budding social media influencer has garnered over 33.2k followers on her Instagram handle.
Relationship Started
KK Dixon rose to prominence after her romantic involvement with Ja Morant. Although the date of their relationship’s commencement remains unknown, they embarked on a romantic journey that spanned approximately three years. The couple went public about their relationship in 2018, with Dixon sharing a picture of them, making their romance official.
However, as relationships often take unexpected turns, Morant and KK Dixon are no longer together, as evidenced by their mutual unfollowing on Instagram. Despite the separation, they share the joy of parenthood with their daughter, Kaari Jaidyn Morant.
After parting ways with KK, Morant was rumored to be romantically involved with Abigail Russo, although he denied the speculation through his social media channels.
Ja Morant’s Remarkable Career
Ja Morant, or G12, is an American professional basketball player making waves with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Morant inherited his basketball prowess from his parents, Tee Morant and Jamie Morant, who played the sport during their high school years.
After an impressive stint at Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, Morant continued his basketball journey at Murray State University. His exceptional college performance caught the attention of the Grizzlies, who selected him second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Morant’s impact in the NBA has been nothing short of spectacular. Morant has solidified his place among the league’s elite, from winning the NBA Rookie of the Year honor and award in his debut season to leading the Grizzlies to their first playoff appearance in four years. His on-court achievements include being named an NBA All-Star and winning the Most Improved Player Award.
Rumored Relationships and Perks of Stardom
Being a star player in the NBA comes with its perks, including a fair share of rumored relationships. Ja Morant has been linked with several high-profile celebrities and influencers, adding to his off-court allure. Notable among these rumored relationships is his association with Brooklyn Nikole, a well-known Instagram influencer and the sister of rapper Latto.
In April 2022, Morant’s name was linked to Drake’s ex-girlfriend, Johanna Leia. Although the rumors circulated, there was little substantial evidence to support the claims, except for mutual liking of Instagram posts.
Despite the media buzz surrounding his romantic life, Morant remains focused on his basketball career, with his eyes set on further elevating the Memphis Grizzlies’ status in the NBA.
KK Dixon’s Siblings
KK Dixon shares her family spotlight with two siblings, Tyrik Dixon and Baylee Dixon. Tyrik, the older brother, played high school basketball at Southwest Christian Academy in Bentonville, Arkansas. After high school, he pursued his basketball career at Middle Tennessee State University, showcasing his skills for the Missouri State Bears.
KK Dixon’s Net Worth
As of 2023, KK Dixon’s net worth is estimated at around $200,000. While her exact source of income is not pinpointed, it is speculated that she earns substantially from her presence on social media.
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