Patrick Beverley Claiming Ja Morant Would Run Rings Around Legendary John Stockton Angers Fans – “A Fool For Thinking That”

Patrick Beverley picked Ja Morant over John Stockton in a direct matchup.

Patrick Beverley Claiming Ja Morant Would Run Rings Around Legendary John Stockton Angers Fans – “A Fool For Thinking That”

Patrick Beverley and Ja Morant (Image credits - Bleacher Report and Britannica)

John Stockton is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, while Ja Morant has been destined for greatness. Unfortunately for Morant, injuries and off-court issues took a toll on him, and his career has stagnated over the past few years.

There is no doubt that Morant is one of the most athletic guards the league has ever seen. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the number two pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Morant showed promising signs at the beginning of his career as he won the Rookie of the Year award and then the Most Improved Player Award in 2022.

Meanwhile, Stockton was arguably the greatest point guard of the 90s. He was a great rival of Michael Jordan and faced off against the NBA legend twice in the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.

However, when asked to choose between the two, former NBA player Patrick Beverley picked Morant.

Some people go John Stockton. I’m going Ja Morant. Some people go Stockton because he’s an actual point guard. He’s going to get the ball where it need to be. He’s going to be heavy on the pocket pass. Ja is running circles around Stockton a**. He going to be jumping over Stockton’s a**.

Patrick Beverley on The Pat Bev Show

Not only do John Stockton and Morant come from very different eras, but they also have very different styles of play as well. Stockton was a traditional point guard and is the NBA All-Time leader in assists. Meanwhile, Morant is a point guard who reliant on his athleticism and incredible speed. However, he is seen as an underachiever due to his lack of playoff success.

Patrick Beverley has faced off against Morant multiple times in the past. He believes that the 27-year-old is the pound-for-pound better player in the matchup of different generations.

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Fans react to Patrick Beverley picking Ja Morant over John Stockton in a matchup

Beverley is well known for his bold and wild takes. Based solely on his athleticism, Beverley picked Morant over Stockton. The former Utah Jazz legend is celebrated for his unparalleled passing vision, elite court vision, and relentless perimeter defense.

Beverley’s statements often catch several eyeballs, and it was no different this time as fans flooded social media with different reactions.

NBA fans called out Beverley for his choice. Not only does Stockton lead the NBA in assists but also in steals. The two records remain far out of reach for modern players.

Patrick Beverley imagines Ja Morant against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls

Stockton came away on the losing side both times he faced Jordan in the NBA Finals. Hence, he ended his career with no championships. Meanwhile, Ja Morant still has time on his side to win a championship, but he is yet to make it past the second round of the playoffs.

John Stockton and Michael Jordan
John Stockton and Michael Jordan (Image credits – Diario AS)

After picking Morant over Stockton, Beverley took the debate even further by imagining Morant on those Jazz teams against Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The former second-round pick believes that the Bulls would have to defend very differently against Morant than they did against Stockton. He said:

You put Ja Morant on the Utah Jazz, that’s a different series. What Morant gon do to Steve Kerr and what Morant gonna do to Ron Harper. Kerr ain’t going to be able to get on the court. So now you gotta put Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen on Ja. You gotta put Michael Jordan on Ja.

Patrick Beverley on The Pat Bev Show

In both NBA Finals, the Jazz took the series to six games. However, Jordan was a huge hurdle to overcome. Morant has the opportunity to redeem himself next season as he is embarking on a new journey after getting traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Only time will tell whether Morant can come close to Stockton in career achievements.

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