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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are finally in a rebuild. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant are the long-term centerpieces, while other exciting prospects such as Brandon Clarke, De’Anthony Melton and Josh Jackson populate the roster. Jonas Valanciunas signed a noteworthy extension over the summer, to boot.

Memphis will not win a ton of ball games next season. Or the season afterward. It takes rookie guards longer than most to adjust to NBA speed and decision-making — even someone with Morant’s advanced basketball I.Q. He’s bound to struggle with turnovers and inefficiency, and that’s fine.

Triple-J is primed to take a big step forward his sophomore season. After a first-team All-Rookie appearance, Jackson will look to improve his discipline on defense, which will lead to more minutes on the court, more shots altered, and more 3-pointers made. He’s the ideal big man prospect in 2019.

A few prudent moves on the front office’s part landed Melton, (Josh) Jackson and Clarke in Memphis. The Suns wanted to clear Jackson’s salary, so Memphis took advantage, as rebuilding teams should. Clarke fell to No. 21 on draft night, further than most draftniks expected. He won Summer League MVP in Vegas.

All three project to have some role on the team next season. Melton has a combo-guard skill set that fits nicely next to Morant. He’s a long, versatile defender and a capable relief valve, which could help ease the rookie into the role of primary creator.

Jackson was the No. 4 pick in 2016. He failed to get off the ground in Phoenix, but his physical tools, scoring upside and passing chops all warrant some level of optimism. For such a low-cost flier, he’s someone who could pay major dividends.

Final prediction: 20-62, Miss NBA Playoffs