Ja Morant Explains What It’d Take to Get Him in the Dunk Contest | Taylor Rooks Interview

Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant sits down with B/R’s Taylor Rooks to talk what it would take to get him to do the dunk contest, the player he most wants to dunk on, the next generation of NBA superstars and more. Watch the full interview now.
Catch up on all of the Taylor Rooks X episodes wherever you get your podcasts: bit.ly/3DcZLtD
0:00-0:19 - Intro
0:20 - 2:30 - Ja isn’t an LA type of guy
3:00 - 6:00 - Being supportive of Black women in sports
6:00 - 9:20 - Talking Ja’s social media presence
9:21 - 13:40 - His family experiencing racism in the stands in Utah
13:50 - 16:15 - Will Ja ever do a dunk contest?
16:20 - 16:48 - Ja’s ideal dunk contest competitors
16:50 - 18:02 - Ja still wants to dunk on LeBron
18:10 - 19:20 - Walking through the missed Kevin Love poster dunk
20:20 - 21:15 - Business decision or getting posterized?
21:25 - 23:48 - Ja was happy to make the playoffs but that's not the end goal
23:50 - 25:45 - Ja wants to be a part of Team USA Basketball
25:45 - 28:15 - “The league is in good hands”
28:50 - 32:43 - Life inside the NBA Bubble was tough for Ja
32:45 - End - All-Star, All-NBA and win a championship are Ja’s 3 goals
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[@BleacherReport]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="20">0:20</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="150">2:30</a> - Ja isn’t an LA type of guy <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="180">3:00</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="360">6:00</a> - Being supportive of Black women in sports <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="360">6:00</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="560">9:20</a> - Talking Ja’s social media presence <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="561">9:21</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="820">13:40</a> - His family experiencing racism in the stands in Utah <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="830">13:50</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="975">16:15</a> - Will Ja ever do a dunk contest? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="980">16:20</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1008">16:48</a> - Ja’s ideal dunk contest competitors <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1010">16:50</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1082">18:02</a> - Ja still wants to dunk on LeBron <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1090">18:10</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1160">19:20</a> - Walking through the missed Kevin Love poster dunk <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1220">20:20</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1275">21:15</a> - Business decision or getting posterized? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1285">21:25</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1428">23:48</a> - Ja was happy to make the playoffs but that's not the end goal <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1430">23:50</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1545">25:45</a> - Ja wants to be a part of Team USA Basketball <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1545">25:45</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1695">28:15</a> - “The league is in good hands” <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1730">28:50</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1963">32:43</a> - Life inside the NBA Bubble was tough for Ja <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1965">32:45</a> - End - All-Star, All-NBA and win a championship are Ja’s 3 goals

[@thebigson8721]

Pin this?

[@rogernguy]

pin asap

[@marlonrobinson2554]

I believe this coming

[@leafz2447]

He got the all star today all nba and championship next

[@lifeofmjhay9429]

_all love to Ja & the Grizzlies for their playoff’s run…!!! I love the way you dunk i saw young D-Rose on he’s prime just be careful young blood!!!👏🥇🤳

[@lolh4x]

Ja Morant seems like a super good dude. I wish him all the success in the world.

[@LevitheLegend]

He gives you the vibe that you're there experiencing everything he does

[@KaiDaMoveMaker]

Me to

[@KaiDaMoveMaker]

@@LevitheLegend bruhh facts

[@Darrin401]

He just want the cheeks

[@lolh4x]

@DHuntBeats he's married and has kids I'm pretty sure, so I doubt it

[@JordanStuffGamer]

She’s a really good interviewer

[@rogernguy]

explain

[@JordanStuffGamer]

@@rogernguy her tone and how natural the questions seem instead of coming off as just reading the questions off to them

[@whydopeoplealwayssayuhm]

@@rogernguy also her ability to connect and vibe with players on an honest level and keep the interview easygoing and smooth. nothing deep, but it's far from being superficial and bland.

[@pheleekseh1391]

Beautiful too

[@hmongbullies1942]

shes trying to get his pay check dont lie

[@notkingplayz6823]

Ja seems like the most chill nd humble dudes to be around. Wish him the best success in his career and hopefully he gets that dunk on Lebron

[@KaiDaMoveMaker]

Facts

[@kingjoffy9509]

on God

[@kimking5928]

Humble? What you smoking! He’s anything but humble.

[@johnny9]

I like that he's actually answering the Qs

[@faketriiill]

I like Taylor. She did a good job of making it more of a convo than an interview

[@beboutbidness9616]

So glad the Grizzlies were lucky enough to draft this guy

[@Skyy67]

Hope he stay in Memphis like 4 more yrs maybe a championship he fearless...I can see him in Miami nxt

[@elhuevo780]

@@Skyy67 that’d be crazzyyyy if he went to Miami 👀 Memphis better hope they make the playoffs at least this season to keep him happy.

[@bettieallen1953]

Me to

[@bsokol_]

@@elhuevo780 there 2nd in the west now 👌🏻👌🏻 we for sure keepin him

[@trevmattson3780]

Mad respect to Taylor Rooks. Great interviewer. Really enjoyed this interview. Also, Ja seems like a great dude! Really enjoyed watching him grow in front of us

[@justaliciaaa]

She's the one that made me a Ja Morant fan with that pre-Draft interview. I love them! My favourite people to follow on Twitter.

[@spproductionsnba]

This man is trying to stay focused so hard

[@darlingboyMMA]

Yeah he's got so much swagger on the court for somebody who seems to be like a very chill and introverted guy.

[@EasyWeezyy]

@@darlingboyMMA i don't think that's what he talking bout homie lol

[@seeker7713]

Man I would be distracted too. Ja morant I am on my grizzlie 😝😝

[@555125kevin]

I know being in a room with a woman that fine, I'd forget most of the questions😂

[@rogernguy]

explain

[@dr.lakeishacole2089]

Taylor Rooks, thank you for this interview! I am a huge Ja Morant fan!! To both of you, keep doing well and continue to be confident in your profession. People will continue to be negative, but there are many people who love and appreciate your craft, gift, and positive energy. There's negativity on every level, in every profession, on every stage, and especially when you're confident and happy. Keep your focus because you have much to give! Blessings to all of you 🙏🧡🏀🧡

[@ganbarugaming]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3">0:03</a> The way Ja looked at Taylor, oweee

[@nil_tuzo]

How can you hate this dude bro ? That’s impossible

[@hofschoolthreat2543]

If ur flight and you don't forget about the "beef" with curry.

[@dwadeisthegoat2020]

@@hofschoolthreat2543 flight is a troll if u take his opinion serious that's a problem

[@hofschoolthreat2543]

@@dwadeisthegoat2020 I know he's a troll. I wasn't being serious.

[@RoseCurry5]

Right. He's awesome.

[@op-.]

It's funny how ja's favorite player is Russell Westbrook and everybody fucking hates him but everybody loves ja ik their two different people but ja model his game after Russ

[@waynewalker8141]

He seems to be a well grounded and focused young man. I wish him much success in the league and life

[@DwayneIsKing]

Love when a star (and yes he's a star at this point) is humble like this. Hella refreshing. But dude is a straight DOG on the court

[@c-meezy765]

I can't wait until he finally makes the all-star team. He's going to be trying to dunk on everybody lol

[@blackaf1s597]

I mean he wasn’t really a star until college which usually means a players more humble then the ones who’ve been top ranked recruits since 8th grade

[@LevitheLegend]

He's a monster on the hardwood and he has yet to show the full extent of his talent

[@Mr.Rebellious124]

Glad to see someone out of sumter do big things, keep pushing young king!

[@sc80386]

803 stand up

[@kymiraboone4660]

I love this young man . His parents did an awesome job with him . Very respectful. Hard worker . Great father . I’m proud to say his plays for my hometown. Big M!!!

[@YeIIowNBA]

Idk about that

[@blvckamvrai]

Taylor Rooks doesn't get enough credit for just being a great interviewer.

[@hmongbullies1942]

how is this a great interview? shes trying hard to get his pay check

[@blvckamvrai]

@@hmongbullies1942 bro are you out of your mind she’s taylor rooks 😭

[@greatehien1398]

@@hmongbullies1942 lmao

[@gurvantsev]

These two have the best chemistry I've ever seen

[@Chinks113]

Great episode! He’s so humble and his family did a great job!

[@kingofquees3034]

Nothing but love for this guy

[@LadySniperSwaggYT]

Man I love this guy even more

[@likwydice1246]

One of the most entertaining players to watching the NBA. His energy is electric on the court. Its contagious to all around him. Wishing he accomplishes all of his goals. Oh, and a Slam Dunk Trophy would be great too!!

[@jayhenry7248]

WE NEED HIM AND ZION IN THE DUNK CONTEST!

[@AvenueI77]

Hoping they team up in the long run before their career ends

[@rugburnnickswife3513]

Zion will soon be too injured and too fat to even be in the nba.

[@sonder333]

Hell we needed them on TEAM USA. Wouldn’t have lost a game.

[@far06c]

Greatest dunk contest of all time!!!

[@REALTRUEJOURNEY]

Nah we don't

[@eo7381]

Great interview n job well done!!

[@keithfisher8807]

Great interview 👍🏾

[@MS-ly4oi]

Great interviewer. Natural. Relatable. Human. Unlike these other reporters

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

How can you not like this young man. I wish him nothing but the best.

[@luism5822]

I love the interviewer, she is not the typical one that interrupts everything and has no expressions. She does look like she's enjoying the moment

[@H0VA]

She's fake as hell don't be fooled

[@willsmith9822]

Ja Morant Dad funny as Hell. He roasted me for having a Golden State Warriors Shirt on in Las Vegas. * boy take that garbage shirt off- Big Morant lmao

[@NESGTorro]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LaylaMama1]

Enjoyed this interview!! I love Ja! Baller!!

[@jayhenry7248]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="824">13:44</a> when he says if he will ever be in the dunk contest, you welcome 🤗.

[@axloggang4223]

Thanks bro

[@zumptt]

They already have a timestamp, but thx

[@jayhenry7248]

@@zumptt Yeah, but they posted the timestamp 6 hours ago and I posted this comment 7 hours ago, that means they didn’t had the timestamp by the time I posted the comment but you’re welcome :)

[@tracydotson1239]

We hit the jackpot 🎰 with Ja I just love the Memphis Grizzlies for sure 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@joeshmama3664]

She’s very good at letting him explain and how she engages once in a while

[@360conscience]

I aint mad at him AT ALL! KEEP DOING YA THING YOUNG MAN.

[@ToneDesh]

I love this dude! My favorite player in the league…that’s not on my favorite team (Lakers). Also, Taylor…your interviews are always amazing - you are dope.

[@kingares9768]

Great interview

[@2phonebabykeem913]

She should interview other players as well, this was very good

[@tomas1565]

Seeing you in this light I miss this Ja. I know the fame & the crew got to you. Get right Ja, this felt like a genuine true to you interview. Good luck in counseling.

[@beantownbilli]

Miles Bridges needs to be in that dunk contest too….

[@testostyrone33]

Right

[@ironikroyalty2278]

Miles, Zion, Ja, and Zach to truly defend his crown… then the music hits BAH GAHD THATS AARON GORDON WHAT IN THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE!!!

[@reeboutit2267]

Yup

[@jahtooraw]

@@ironikroyalty2278 😂😂😂

[@martiese]

@@ironikroyalty2278 Yoo 😂😂😂

[@Rustyybucket]

Love Ja man, kid's got a good head on his shoulder.

[@Apeezeh]

Get in there Ja 🤘

[@HamburgerHelperFan25]

AYYYYY fye🔥

[@alvincreatives3974]

Hopefully Ja will be a superstar like Dwade or Kobe type of superstar.. He's an oldschool type of player so exciting to watch..

[@StarKushExoticGalaxy]

He already is a superstar

[@kobralockhart3908]

Love the personality! BALLIN @$$ DUDE!!!!!

[@GUERILLA2K]

Ja Morant got y’all my sub.... salute from the Bronx New York

[@eileenbland4982]

JA is the Real Deal, his game is on another LEVEL!!! I

[@9sept10oct1jan]

One of my top 5 NBA guards J Morant who is a ALL STAR in my eyes and I beleive he will play on the USA Olympic and be a Hall Famer my brother stay humble and God bless

[@lordwiz6653]

He is indeed a all Star now 🌟⭐✨🌠.

[@thcrackthow5665]

I love watching this guy hoop.

[@heemdot]

My favorite player and personality in the league!

[@Daily_sussy_baka]

Ja great! He got hops. And he can shoot. That man is special

[@wynn231]

Brooo we need him in the dunk contest he can do so much crazy dunkkkss he will be so creative he will probably jump over someone my man almost jumped over Kevin love and my man will do any dunk

[@baliw33]

Dalzell, SC in the house!

[@joeypage9268]

Probably one of my favorite players

[@far06c]

Ja is so chill

[@IDMtv]

Great young man!!

[@vincepham2997]

I love this man. He a dog on the court. Reminds me of Iverson. Electrifying talent.

[@sng1188]

FACTS FACTS FACTS

[@TyWerks]

agreed I want him to stay healthy man

[@kwazeethompson5797]

Somebody give this man a mill real quick!

[@jld4870]

👍🏼🤣🤣🤣

[@buckwildboys1]

Ja is taking superstar status this season no matter who on the court, Cole already said it, Im on my Grizzy👌

[@elconquistador5095]

I love this guy.

[@Notorious23.]

Your Dreads are Sick 🔥

[@kennymann3305]

Ja Morant is one of my top 3 players...he's incredibly gifted 🙌 and exciting 2 watch!...he's a humble dude a great guy much success 💯🙌🙏 and blessings 🤲😇 much love❤🖐 gotta be a top 5 - 10 player in the game today💯🖐 facts💯

[@menshidagoat]

amazing

[@joshneal6769]

I truly do think he’s gonna become a top 3 face in the league. It’s just something different about him.

[@MACKPITBULLS]

Somebody give this man a million so we can see him in the dunk contest. I got something on it. No Cap

[@braedensteele3184]

JA vs Zion in the dunk contest is must see TV. We already saw them fight for ROY, we need it.

[@brozay7855]

Definitely most improved player of the year

[@wakil711]

Dunks in game time is different than when preparing for dunks in a dunking contest. I don’t blame him for not wanting to compete in them. Actually game time dunks are better because of the opposing players trying to defend a basket, and based on the position of the defender trying to defend makes a dunk spectacular. Contests are creative art to see who can create the best mini movie.

[@davidmostow5057]

I respect ja I always felt he was a good person and it just is nice to see him interact with someone

[@jld4870]

Taylor: are you down you didn’t make the usa team Ja: nah all in Gods time, I’ll just stay ready. You SO right Ja…keep the faith and keep spreading the love! Bless you young man AND your fam!

[@justinlee282]

Hope Ja gets back to normal and is even better

[@goodtimesbeatz6718]

South Carolina 💯

[@brighamgng]

Ja will be one of the greatest Pgs ever

[@twoinssboss2110]

Ja of amazing

[@pino3320]

🔥🔥🔥

[@petecobbina812]

W interview

[@seannewton3519]

Ja is a beast fa show

[@vturner]

I agree with former players/dunkers being judges

[@shakaroberson3127]

I love me some Taylor Rooks

[@reallife0728]

NO DOUBT!!!!!!😍😍😍😍 I SAW HER AT AN EVENT IN NYC & SHE IS GORGEOUS FOR REAL!!!💐💐💐😍😍😍

[@edwinmurahwa5992]

I hope he does, this boy can fly

[@jwall1704]

Our very own Superstar 💙💙💙

[@thenewjord50]

He looked like Affiong "Aff" Harris aka Big Sora from Rdcworld1

[@lamontharris4564]

This young man has a great attitude he is very mature for 22 years old

[@wilgilliam]

We From South Carolina!!!

[@samuelwillig6409]

Im sold

[@jrboyd1677]

Players like lebron, westbrook, and morant are rim snatchers their dunks are intense not flashy its all power!

[@jameshardy1061]

Nah dog, Morant got that mix of power and finesse

[@ilynoahh]

i love ja

[@HoopAndRoll]

Ja🐐

[@kwflemmonds]

Team Ja, cool dude!!

[@hugosaron8687]

Play a lot Já Morant 🇧🇷

[@roberttanner3252]

Everyone in the league needs to watch out for Ja Morant Like for real this kid is unreal and he is already making himself to be a allstar and a Mvp Type of player and he His Is Still very Young In His NBA career I'm A Laker fan and Kobe Bryant Fan But Yeah Ja He Is Different And he Needs to be in the dunk Contest in the very near future

[@hurr1cane788]

Repent of all your sins to ALMIGHTY JESUS CHRIST AMEN

[@justaliciaaa]

Thank you for asking him about his mental health!

[@trashemail9203]

I ❤ Bleacher Report.

[@dantheman8152]

Ja is phenomenal

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

She hype on him 🤣

[@jalsy9776]

Man ja is my favourite all time 🛸 bro is different MBNO

[@EnvyTraxus]

man ja a good dude

[@wayneyeomans1905]

Ja keep up the hard work

[@DavidD1794]

I wanna see Ja, Zion, Westbrook, and Miles Bridges in a dunk contest

[@KaiDaMoveMaker]

That would be 🔥🔥🔥🔥