Nets' Kevin Durant in awe of Grizzlies' Ja Morant

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kevin Durant can’t help but be impressed with the way Ja Morant is playing.

“He’s a unique player. Lots of athleticism and creativity out there,” Durant said before facing Morant’s Grizzlies on Monday night. “He’s taller than [Allen Iverson] and a wiry, strong player. He’s an incredible player, man, just doing some stuff we’ve never seen before.”

Morant entered Monday’s contest averaging 34.3 points, 7.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds through three games. He had 38 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Grizzlies’ 134-124 win over the Nets.

Morant put the entire league on notice by scoring 49 points on the road against the Rockets in the second game of the season. Last week, Durant put Zion Williamson in a special “one-of-one” category when asked to describe his skills. He was asked Monday if he would put Morant in the same category.

“All of these guys are one-of-ones,” Durant said. “I’ve been in the league with [Derrick Rose] and Russell Westbrook, so many athletic guards I’m missing, but those two stick out the most to me. The stuff they were doing was unheard of, and you’re seeing other guys doing the same thing. I’m sure he’s inspired by those two as well. The league’s in a great place.”

Nic Claxton, who played AAU ball with Morant in South Carolina, said his former teammate has exceeded all his expectations.

“Man, I didn’t see it coming,” Claxton said of Morant’s superstar status. “But I’m super-proud of [him] and I’m excited to go up against him [Monday].”

By Barbara Barker

barbara.barker@newsday.commeanbarb

Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.