The Memphis Grizzlies were the best young team in the NBA. After back-to-back competitive playoff performances, their future seemed as promising as ever. There was also hope for their future progress because of Ja Morant’s emergence as an MVP candidate. But then tragedy happened.
Ja Morant’s disciplinary actions, followed by a lengthy hiatus due to injury, raises concerns. What was once the league’s most promising club is now on par with Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Minnesota. It remains to be seen which of these three “young” teams will make the next move. However, the offseason has brought some positive news to the Grizzlies camp.
Ja Morant is back
Morant has returned to the basketball court following a six-month rehabilitation period. A 25-game suspension followed by a labral tear forced the rising sensation to miss nearly the whole season last year. He only played nine games before being benched again.
However, according to head coach Taylor Jenkins, Ja is ready for full-contact activity. With about three months until the season’s first game, the 24-year-old has plenty of time to get back in form.
The amount of time remaining in the offseason allows him to find his MVP-caliber rhythm before the season begins.
“Ja, it’s go time. Jenkins stated he was quite pleased since he had been medically certified and had passed all of the necessary obstacles. “He’s been fantastic with his recovery; now it’s full-on basketball with him, with all the contact. Currently, the focus is on regaining proper body alignment. We can get into his basketball strategy.”
The Memphis Grizzlies are ready to make a run
With a Morant comeback, the Memphis Grizzlies may be a formidable force again. Already, the team has been making efforts to retool its roster. Last summer, they lost Tyus Jones, a significant setback to their depth. Jones, one of Memphis’ most consistent backup point guard alternatives, was critical to the team’s non-Ja minutes. However, returning a parcel is equally effective.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the team’s second Defensive Player of the Year after a clever trade for former DPOY Marcus Smart. Similarly, signing Derrick Rose gives the squad the off-the-bench dependability that Tyus Jones provided. Desmond Bane and Steven Adams, the mainstays of the team, should also be in top shape.
Zach Edey, a rookie, is the team’s long-term answer at center. Edey, like Adams, has the potential to be a great rebounder with a mean screen set. It also closes the rebounding gap that JJJ brings.
That’s not counting the Ziaire Williams deal to the Brooklyn Nets, which gave Memphis enough salary space to sign sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a long-term contract. This will boost the team’s depth and provide some true snipers to complement Ja Morant’s powerful driving abilities.
Overall, the Grizzlies have a loaded roster for next season. Barring tragedy, they should be in the postseason mix, if not ahead. The main question for Memphis is: how far can they go?
