Many basketball fans and analysts frequently ask: Is Jaden Ivey related to Ja Morant? The definitive answer is no.
While these two NBA stars share a remarkably similar physical appearance, nearly identical hairstyles, and a high-flying, explosive playing style that makes them look like mirror images on the court, they do not share any bloodlines or family ties.
Their connection is actually built on a foundation of professional mentorship and a unique personal bond formed when Jaden Ivey’s mother, Niele Ivey, served as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies during Morant’s rookie season in 2019.
Why Fans Think Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant Are Related
The confusion regarding a potential family connection between Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant is one of the most persistent rumors in modern basketball circles.
This speculation didn’t appear out of thin air; it is the result of several overlapping factors that make the two guards appear as though they were cut from the same cloth.
Visual Similarities and Signature Hairstyles
During Jaden Ivey’s standout collegiate career at Purdue and his subsequent entry into the professional ranks with the Detroit Lions’ neighboring Detroit Pistons, the visual comparisons reached a fever pitch.
Both players famously sported long, athletic dreadlocks that flowed behind them as they sprinted down the court. This specific aesthetic, combined with their lean but muscular builds, led many casual viewers to assume they were siblings or close cousins.
Explosive Athleticism and High-Flying Playstyles
Beyond their physical appearance, their “basketball DNA”—though not biological—is incredibly similar. Both guards are defined by rare, explosive athleticism and elite speed that allows them to blow past defenders with ease.
They share a penchant for high-flying dunks and acrobatic finishes at the rim, which led to heavy player comparisons during the 2022 draft cycle.
When you see two players move with the same twitchy, lightning-fast energy, it is natural for the human brain to look for a genetic link.
The Niele Ivey Connection: How They Actually Met
While there is no biological relation, there is a deep “big brother” bond that connects these two athletes.
To understand the origins of this relationship, one must look at the trailblazing career of Jaden’s mother, Niele Ivey, and her brief but impactful tenure in the NBA coaching ranks.
The Memphis Grizzlies Coaching Tenure
The link between Ivey and Morant was forged in 2019 when Niele Ivey was hired as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies.
This hiring was significant for several reasons, but for the Ivey-Morant connection, the timing was everything. Her arrival in Memphis coincided exactly with Ja Morant’s rookie season.
Because Niele was a key part of the coaching staff tasked with developing the young roster, a teenage Jaden Ivey spent a significant amount of time around the Grizzlies organization and their facilities.
Morant’s “Big Brother” Mentorship Role
During those formative years, Jaden Ivey wasn’t just a spectator; he was a student of the game. He closely studied Morant’s routines, work ethic, and on-court decision-making.
Recognizing the young Ivey’s talent and potential, Morant naturally stepped into a mentorship role, offering advice on how to navigate the pressures of elite basketball and the eventual path to the NBA.
This bond has persisted long after Niele Ivey left Memphis to become the head coach at Notre Dame; the two players frequently swap jerseys after games and publicly support one another on social media, further fueling the rumors of a family tie.
Jaden Ivey’s Real Family Tree: An Elite Athletic Pedigree
Jaden Ivey does not need a famous cousin like Ja Morant to claim athletic greatness. In reality, he belongs to one of the most impressive, multi-generational sports families in the United States.
His actual family tree is rooted in professional success across both basketball and football.
| Family Member | Relation | Athletic Achievement & Professional Background |
|---|---|---|
| Niele Ivey | Mother | NCAA National Champion and All-American at Notre Dame; former WNBA player; current Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Head Coach. |
| Javin Hunter | Father | Former NFL wide receiver who played professionally for the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. |
| James Hunter | Grandfather | Former NFL defensive back for the Detroit Lions; played seven seasons and recorded 27 career interceptions. |
This lineage demonstrates that Jaden Ivey was born into a culture of professional excellence. His mother provided the blueprint for basketball stardom, while his father and grandfather established a legacy of elite performance in the NFL.
This deep-rooted sports history likely contributed to the poise and athletic maturity Ivey displayed when he was drafted 5th overall in 2022.
Technical Comparison: Jaden Ivey vs. Ja Morant
While their highlights may look similar on a social media reel, a technical breakdown reveals that Ivey and Morant occupy different archetypes on the basketball court.
From their physical dimensions to their primary roles within an offense, these two players have distinct styles.
Playmaking vs. Scoring Gravity
The most significant difference lies in their court vision and role as creators. Ja Morant is a pure, elite playmaker and a traditional primary point guard. He dictates the entire tempo of the Memphis Grizzlies’ offense, consistently averaging between 7 to 8 assists per game.
In contrast, Jaden Ivey has historically operated as a scoring combo-guard or a shooting guard. While he is a capable passer, Ivey relies more on his “scoring gravity”—the way his ability to put the ball in the hoop draws defenders toward him—rather than pure floor general instincts.
Physical Dimensions and Strength
There is also a notable difference in their physical profiles. Ja Morant stands at 6’2″ and weighs approximately 174 lbs. He is a leaner athlete who relies on a historic vertical leap, incredible flexibility, and acrobatic body control to finish over much larger defenders.
Jaden Ivey, however, is the larger of the two. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 195 lbs, Ivey possesses a taller and noticeably stronger frame. He uses this powerful, compact build to power through contact on drives, whereas Morant often maneuvers around it.
Shooting Mechanics and Career Trajectory
Their shooting profiles and career paths also diverge. Ja Morant uses a low, quick release that can be streaky from the perimeter; he is at his most dangerous when attacking the paint.
Ivey entered the league with a lower shooting release but is widely considered to have a higher absolute ceiling as a catch-and-shoot threat due to his size and ongoing form adjustments.
Furthermore, Morant achieved immediate superstar status, winning Rookie of the Year and becoming a multi-time All-Star early on. Ivey’s career has been a more steady developmental climb as he adapts to the professional game.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ivey-Morant Bond
Are Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant cousins?
No, they are not cousins. The “cousin” rumor is a common misconception caused by their close friendship and similar appearance.
Did Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant ever play on the same team?
No, they have never been teammates. Their closest professional overlap was when Jaden’s mother coached Morant in Memphis, allowing Jaden to practice or be around the team unofficially.
Is Niele Ivey still coaching in the NBA?
No, Niele Ivey left the Memphis Grizzlies to return to her alma mater, Notre Dame, where she currently serves as the head coach of the women’s basketball team.
Who is faster: Jaden Ivey or Ja Morant?
This is a subject of debate among scouts. While Morant is often cited for his “stop-and-start” twitchiness and verticality, Ivey is frequently praised for his raw, end-to-end straight-line speed.
Conclusion: A Brotherhood Built on Respect
The story of Jaden Ivey and Ja Morant is a testament to the power of mentorship in professional sports.
While they may not share a last name or a biological heritage, the bond they forged in Memphis has helped shape the trajectory of one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Ivey’s real family tree is already legendary, and his connection to Morant simply adds another layer to his fascinating journey.
As both players continue to lead their respective franchises, the comparisons will likely continue—not because they are related, but because they both represent the next generation of elite, explosive backcourt talent in the league.
