Patrick Beverley boldly defends controversial Ja Morant over John Stockton take

Patrick Beverley is taking Ja Morant over John Stockton, and the former NBA guard did not hesitate to defend the controversial choice.

During the latest episode of “The Pat Bev Show,” Beverley debated former NBA players Raymond Felton and Charlie Villanueva over Morant and Stockton. While Stockton is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, Beverley argued that Morant’s athleticism and individual ability would give him the edge.

“Some people go John Stockton. I’m going Ja Morant,” Beverley said. “Some people go John Stockton because he’s an actual point guard. He’s going to get the ball where it needs to be. He’s going to be heavy on the pocket pass. He’s going to be a great leader. That’s cool. Ja Morant is running circles around John Stockton’s a–. Straight up. He’s going to be jumping over John Stockton’s a–.”

Beverley clarified that his stance was not meant to diminish Stockton’s accomplishments or the competition he faced during his 19-year career with the Utah Jazz.

“I’m talking about the Stockton with the little shorts that was playing against Michael Jordan and them,” Beverley said. “I’m a huge Stockton fan. He played against the greatest ever. He did compete. I’m not taking that away from him. As a better player, a lot of people would take John Stockton. I’m taking Ja Morant.”

Felton quickly sided with Beverley.

“I’m going with what Patrick Beverley said,” Felton said.

Villanueva, however, pushed back against both former guards and argued that Stockton’s traditional point guard skills would make him the better choice for a team attempting to win.

“As a point guard, if you want to win, and you want to like … for me, I know when that flow, he’s going to find you,” Villanueva said. “I’d rather have Stockton on my team. I’m going Stockton. I’m going Stockton. And it’s not even close.”

John Stockton’s historic resume fuels Ja Morant debate

The disagreement escalated when Felton argued that Morant would have a major advantage in an individual matchup against Stockton.

“Ja Morant is frying John Stockton’s a–,” Felton said.

“In one-on-one?” Villanueva responded.

“You understand me?” Felton said.

“John Stockton was a defender,” Villanueva said. “He led the league in steals! What are we talking about?!”

Villanueva’s defense of Stockton is backed by one of the most accomplished resumes for a point guard in league history. Stockton remains the NBA’s all-time leader in both assists and steals, recording 15,806 assists and 3,265 steals during his career. He averaged 13.1 points, 10.5 assists and 2.2 steals across 1,504 regular-season games while shooting 51.5% from the field.

Stockton also made 10 All-Star teams, earned 11 All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive Second Team selections. He helped lead Utah to consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998, with both runs ending against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Morant’s case rests more heavily on his scoring, explosiveness and ability to create offense. The former Memphis Grizzlies star has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 46.6% from the field and 31.1% from 3-point range through 327 career games.

Ja Morant gets fresh start with Trail Blazers

One of Morant’s most productive seasons came in 2022-23, when he averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 46.6% from the field. Morant appeared in 61 games and made 59 starts as Memphis finished 51-31 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference before losing to the seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

The debate comes as Morant prepares to begin a new chapter in his career.

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Morant from Memphis earlier this offseason in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, ending Morant’s seven-season tenure with the franchise that selected him No. 2 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Morant’s final season in Memphis was limited to 20 games. He averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds before a left elbow injury ended his campaign.

The 27-year-old will now look for a fresh start with Portland during the 2026-27 season. His next chapter also gives him an opportunity to strengthen a career resume that Beverley and Felton already believe warrants comparisons with one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history.

The post Patrick Beverley boldly defends controversial Ja Morant over John Stockton take appeared first on ClutchPoints.