Herrington: Morant, Zion complete unlikely journey from teen teammates to playoff-race competitors
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant exchange jerseys after the game in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The Pelicans won 139-111. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) make a move to the basket next to Memphis Grizzlies forward Solomon Hill (44) in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The Pelicans won 139-111. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Josh Jackson in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) scores over Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
On Friday night in New Orleans, Ja Morant and Zion Williamson completed one joint journey, and started a new one.
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Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans Ja Morant Zion WilliamsonChris Herrington on demand
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Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington covers the Memphis Grizzlies and writes about Memphis culture, food, and civic life. He lives in the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood of Midtown with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
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