Matt Varga Let’s say this up front: Hopefully, there are many, many years of Ja Morant’s career ahead of us. However, the Memphis Grizzlies star may already have his next steps after basketball settled. Most pro-to-media pivots come in the podcasting or traditional broadcasting space, yet #12 has shown preternatural abilities in our realm, going leak-for-leak with the best of us as the Nike Ja 3 story trots on.
The most notable of those previews, no doubt, have been the player flexing early looks at eventual releases. Nearly to a pair, all the ones that’ve hit shelves have first come through that pipeline, including upcoming ones like the Nike Ja 3 “At Dawn” and the Ja 3 “Uncle Phil.” Now the high-flyer may be sharing ones that won’t be available to the general public, as a “Ja-Raffe” colorway and “Mardi Gras” accompaniment come to the newswire in recent days.
Could that be the case for the Nike Ja 3 “Scratch” he just showcased? This version sports fiery red within the midsole and actual claw mark detailing behind its mesh foundation, special edition touches that hint at a more rarified air for this shoe. The fact that we’ve already gotten a “Scratch 3.0” only adds to that potential.
To speculate on why a PE would come through this route, the fact that Morant has battled injuries throughout this year’s campaign has no doubt dented his ability for earnest on-court debuts; social media peeks would be a way for designers’ efforts to still get in front of fans’ eyes. No doubt we’ll get clarity as the weeks go by, but catch what Ja teased below.
