Most NBA teams in full rebuilding mode aren’t under any pressure to win, and the 2019-20 Memphis Grizzlies are no different.
Despite an 11-win improvement last season (33-49) from their 2017-18 campaign, there is nothing resembling a “win-now” atmosphere surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies.
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After trading veteran stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr., and finally getting rid of Chandler Parsons‘ cap-crippling contract, the Grizzlies are in full rebuilding mode and focused on their young talent.
The team’s marquee attractions are 19-year-old Jaren Jackson Jr. and 20-year-old Ja Morant, the No. 4 and No. 2 picks, respectively, in the last two drafts.
The Grizzlies also have the No. 4 pick from the 2017 draft, Josh Jackson, on the roster after acquiring him in a trade with the Phoenix Suns this summer.
Only one member of Memphis’ projected starting five is older than 25 (Jonas Valanciunas), and only one member of their projected top 10 rotation players is in his 30s (Miles Plumlee).
The Grizzlies are constructing a youthful group now that they hope will be a successful unit later.
By 2021 the Grizzlies will be a top 4 seed in the West. That’s a guarantee. Morant, Jackson Jr., plus one more future 1st rounder in 2020 and the Grizzlies will be back for a long time. Morant will win RoY and it won’t be close.
— Luke The Duke (@LKuj19) August 17, 2019
That said, there are still some players in Memphis operating under high expectations this season, for various reasons unrelated to actually producing W’s in the immediate future.
Here are three Grizzlies facing the most pressure in 2019-20.