Taj Gibson sees Derrick Rose's electrifying athleticism and fearless mentality reborn in Ja Morant's game, a rare spark of greatness.
After becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, Derrick Rose set a new standard for young guards in the league. Taj Gibson witnessed that brilliance firsthand during Rose's prime, seeing how the latter constantly tormented defenders with his elite athleticism and fearless scoring in the paint.
Now, at 40 years old and currently on the Memphis Grizzlies roster, Gibson admitted that watching Ja Morant reminds him of those Rose days, as he sees similar flashes of that same electrifying style in the young star.
Even though Rose's peak — which included a Rookie of the Year award, MVP honor, All-NBA Team nod, and three consecutive All-Star selections — was relatively short, it remains one of the most dominant stretches by an undersized guard. He wasn't just incredibly quick; he also had the versatility to get past virtually any defender and finish at the rim.
More importantly, Rose played with unwavering confidence, always ready to attack, no matter whether he was facing a double or even a triple team.
Gibson explained that Morant fascinates him so much because he sees the same level of confidence and determination in him that Rose once displayed.
According to Gibson, Morant carries that same fearless mentality — the drive to prove himself and take over games — which is why he believes the young guard shows clear flashes of Rose's competitive spirit.
"I love everything about him," Gibson said during his appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast. "Being a point guard, you have to be tough … But the main thing I see between him and Derrick is the athleticism, but the willingness to just try to be great. Like some players, they talk about trying to be great, and doing what they gotta do, but that young man is special, and he's really trying to put on for that city, you can tell."
When Rose tore his ACL, the odds were stacked heavily against him, especially after he lost much of the explosiveness that defined his early career. Still, he fought hard to adapt, eventually carving out a solid role player career that lasted 15 years. Gibson believes Morant can learn from that resilience.
With his name appearing in trade rumors and some feeling his journey with the Grizzlies has reached a standstill, Morant may need to rediscover that same determination to revive his career and once again compete at the highest level against the league's best players.
Now, with a veteran like Gibson beside him in Memphis, Morant has someone who experienced Rose's journey up close, and that mentorship could prove valuable as the 26-year-old navigates the toughest phase of his career.