The Memphis Grizzlies proved that they’re nonetheless a number of items away from competing within the Western Convention.
Trying on the Western Convention standings, it’s onerous to think about the Memphis Grizzlies, as they’re presently contending, rivaling any of the groups forward of them within the standings.
On prime of that, groups just like the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings may have the ability to move them, relying on the strikes they make this summer time, and the San Antonio Spurs, with a wholesome Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, will definitely give them a run for his or her cash.
After peaking because the second seed and finally making the play-in earlier than getting swept by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the Grizzlies are in dire want of a re-tooled roster. Ja Morant has already been included in commerce rumors, and just one participant must be secure this offseason.
Jaren Jackson Jr., evidenced by his Defensive Participant of the Yr award in 2023, is without doubt one of the greatest defenders within the league. Whereas Evan Mobley and Wembanyama have actually surpassed him, Jackson remains to be an elite defender.
This season, he put collectively his greatest offensive season as effectively, tying his career-high with 22.5 factors per sport whereas capturing a strong 37.5% from deep.
Is Jackson Jr. a centerpiece on a title group? No, however he has the instruments to be the easiest second possibility within the league, shutting down among the league’s greatest inside scorers whereas impacting the Grizzlies’ offense.
He’s due for a contract extension this summer time, and with a mini-rebuild on the horizon, Memphis ought to shell out to maintain him on the town long-term, even when it comes at the price of a few of their different gamers.
Regardless of not proudly owning their very own draft choose in 2025, the Grizzlies are poised to tug off a profitable re-tool this summer time. Assuming that JJJ is the one secure participant on the roster, out of the blue high-value gamers like Morant and even rookie Jaylen Wells are expendable.
Wells is a finalist to win Rookie of the Yr, and is a really strong younger participant. Nevertheless, nobody within the 2024 draft was touted as a franchise centerpiece. The 2025 draft, in the meantime, is stuffed with gamers with that potential.
Groups just like the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Miami Warmth, and Brooklyn Nets could possibly be available on the market for a proficient level guard. Morant suits the invoice. Groups forward of Memphis within the standings can be all in favour of a confirmed, low-cost participant. Wells suits that invoice.
Even when the Grizzlies are unable to interchange Morant because the lead guard this summer time, assuming they commerce him, Scotty Pippen Jr. ended his postseason with a 28 and 30-point outing. He’s a greater defender and shooter than Morant, and is on a low-cost deal by way of 2027-28.
In fact, Pippen Jr. is also traded. The Grizzlies lack a transparent star regardless of boasting the most effective two-way second possibility within the NBA, and solely Jackson Jr. must be cemented as part of their plans transferring ahead.
