Durant: Morant 'the face of our league going forward'

Kevin Durant believes Ja Morant's stellar rise will make him the ideal representative for the NBA in the near future.

Despite his Brooklyn Nets falling 134-124 to Morant's Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Durant showered the high-flying guard with considerable praise postgame.

"He's the most marketable guy in our league - the face of our league going forward," the Nets star said, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "There are so many kids that are inspired by what he does."

Durant also praised Morant prior to their first faceoff of the season Monday, calling the reigning Most Improved Player "unique" and "incredible."

"A lot of athleticism and creativity out there," Durant said, per Friedell. "Body type reminds you of somebody like … (Allen Iverson), a wiry, strong player."

In his fourth season in the league, Morant is an almost nightly feature on highlight reels. He also drew praise from Durant's teammate Ben Simmons last Friday.

Morant registered 38 points in Monday's win, giving him an average of 35.3 points through four games this season to go with seven assists, 4.3 rebounds, and a blistering 60% mark from deep.