2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or pretender with all 16 teams

2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or Pretender – Memphis Grizzlies

Last season the Memphis Grizzlies came within a whisker of the postseason, losing a tight play-in game in the NBA Bubble to see Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers advance past them. Facing the Golden State Warriors in a similar do-or-die play-in game this year, another superstar point guard was supposed to knock them out just before the playoffs once again.

Instead, one of the league’s deepest and youngest teams knocked off the Warriors in overtime and made it into the field. Ja Morant grew up before the nation’s eyes, directing the offense and hitting big shots. Dillon Brooks is one of the league’s scrappiest wing defenders and is a solid second scorer. The bench is deep enough for head coach Taylor Jenkins to mix-and-match based on the opponent and situation.

Getting real playoff experience is great for this team, and with the Utah Jazz still recovering from some key injuries they have a chance to push the number one seed even if winning is still unlikely. In the end, the rest of this year is free money, a chance for a young core to grow together without real expectations.

Does this team have the top-end talent to become a true contender? Jaren Jackson Jr. is the wild card, as the idea of a high-volume shooting big man with true rim protection and switchability is an elite fit alongside Morant. Reaching true contender status may mean another piece in addition to Jackson, Brooks and Morant. For now, it’s enough to introduce the casual NBA world to one of the next decade’s rising teams.

Verdict: Pretender