NBA Power Rankings Week 19: April review and the rising Phoenix Suns

15. Memphis Grizzlies

Last Week: Beat Portland Trail Blazers 120-113, Lost to Denver Nuggets 120-96, Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 130-109, Beat Orlando Magic 92-75, Lost to Orlando Magic 112-111

This Week: 5/3 vs. New York Knicks, 5/5 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 5/6 at Detroit Pistons, 5/8 at Toronto Raptors

The best part of April for the Memphis Grizzlies is that Jaren Jackson Jr. returned. This means that besides the perennially injured Justice Winslow, the team is finally whole and is competitive on a nightly basis. Getting into the postseason with the young core intact will provided some much-needed experience for the years ahead, something the young core is in need of.

Ja Morant had a rather quiet month, all things considered, averaging 18.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. It seems to have been ignored that he shot 40.9 percent from distance on 3.9 attempts per game. This is the last part of his game that needs to come along. If this continues, the Grizzlies will be taking the next step.

Jackson played just four games in April and averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Getting him back in playing shape fully will be the next step as he has shown what he is capable of on a bigger stage (his stretch of 33, 21 and 22 points in the bubble last season comes to mind). The next step is getting Morant and Jackson to show out in the playoffs, even if they are in a tough first-round series.