NBA Power Rankings 2: Jordan Poole leads breakout candidates

The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs last year, stepping onto the stage even earlier than expected and letting budding superstar Ja Morant show his stuff under the spotlight. However, this is a careful, thoughtful franchise and rather than bask in the glory of their own achievement and speed things up too fast, they were patient this offseason, gaining assets in salary dumps and drafting a project with the No. 10 pick in Zhaire Williams.

The Grizzlies are loaded with young talent, from Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to slightly older players such as Brandon Clarke and DeAndre Melton. Outside of Kyle Anderson and Steven Adams, most of their rotation should improve naturally this season. They can push for the playoffs again while not sacrificing playing time for their young core. The only concession they will have to make is finding time for Williams, but given how raw he is that may not come until next season.

Breakout Player: Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies traded away Grayson Allen in order to clear playing time for Desmond Bane. The 3-and-D wing was a rotation player as a rookie and proved to be a draft-day steal with the No. 30 overall pick in the 202 NBA Draft. He shot 43.2 percent from 3-point range and played solid defense. If he becomes the full-time starter there is no reason he can’t maintain his efficiency (or something close to it) while increasing his volume, which will make his impact even more pronounced.

In the Grizzlies’ most recent playoff game on Saturday night, Bane got the starting nod and scored 18 points in 20 minutes, hitting four of his eight 3-point attempts. That kind of efficient impact could become a regular thing for Bane and the Grizzlies.