Memphis Grizzlies: Clarity
The Memphis Grizzlies are a much better team when Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are healthy, as they quickly proved with their 12-5 start. Since then, however, the Grizz have gone 4-10, spiraling down the Western Conference standings as the prospect of their top-eight protected first round pick starts to look more and more tempting.
Thanks to the Jeff Green trade back in 2015, Memphis owes the Celtics its 2019 first round pick if it lands in the 9-30 range. However, if the Grizzlies miss the postseason, wind up with one of the worst records in the league and secure a top-eight pick, they’ll retain their selection.
Jaren Jackson Jr. looks like a franchise cornerstone, but with Conley and Gasol getting up there in age and this team’s window for contention looking more like a rearview mirror, rebuilding needs to become the top priority at some point. The question is, are we there yet? And does this front office finally abandon the Grit-N-Grind, trade Gasol and Conley and fully embrace the tank?