Hoops Habit
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Ranking Western Conference contenders after the trade deadline

By Ari Schwartz

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies high-fives his teammates. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies high-fives his teammates. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /

6. Memphis Grizzlies

It feels almost disrespectful to rank the 2nd seeded Grizzlies 6th on this list, and yet here we are. Memphis has been on the rise since drafting Ja Morant 2nd overall in the 2019 Draft, but it doesn’t feel like they have enough to make another leap this season. Last year, the Grizzlies lost to the Golden State Warriors in the second round, and even with the same roster, Golden State isn’t even among the West’s best teams anymore.

Additionally, while teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers, who Memphis would’ve been able to beat prior to the deadline, made major additions. Meanwhile the Grizzlies made only one move in acquiring role player Luke Kennard. While Kennard does fill a need as a career 42% three-point-shooter for Memphis, as they are the 23rd worst three-point shooting team this season, he won’t fill the superstar void that’s left next to Morant.

What will the Grizzlies do in the playoffs when teams lock in on Morant? Desmond Bane has had a career year, averaging 21 points on elite efficiency, but he hasn’t proven to be a reliable shot creator off the dribble, as 54% percent of his shots come from catch-and-shoot jumpers or pull-ups. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s premier defensive players, while providing reliable scoring when set up by other teammates, but his offensive limitations won’t allow him to be a go-to guy in the clutch.

The Grizzlies are on the rise, but this isn’t their year.