The Memphis Grizzlies have quickly turned around a rebuild from the Grit & Grind era. With their two stars set, what else do the Grizzlies need to do?
The Memphis Grizzlies lucked out by getting the second overall pick in the NBA 2019 draft and selecting Ja Morant — who now is the Rookie of the Year. They also picked by Brandon Clarke, who also made all-rookie first team coming from 21st overall pick.
These two, as well as Jaren Jackson Jr. (fourth overall pick the year prior), have been the foundation for the Grizzlies surprisingly successful season finishing one game behind the Portland Trail Blazers losing in the NBA play-in game. They made it a close game without Jackson, who left the bubble due to injury.
The Grizzlies also lost Tyus Jones during the bubble and Justise Winslow, the main asset from the Andre Iguodala trade with the Miami Heat, didn’t suit up for the team. Health will be imperative for this time as Jackson Jr. and Winslow have already added to their injury history in such a short time in the league.
What has been the outstanding parts of this team is Ja Morant and Taylor Jenkins. Morant, as mentioned, was Rookie of the Year but first-year head coach Taylor Jenkins received a handful of Coach of the Year votes landing him sixth overall in voting this season, not too far behind Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel.
So going into next season it’s safe to say the head coaching position and star player has been decided for the team for many years to come. But what about to starts alongside Morant and Jackson Jr.? can the bench be improved? and what free agents should the Grizzlies target?
All of this and more will be answered.