Grizzlies Preview: One Season After Injury Bug Bit Hard, Memphis At A Crossroads

October 21, 2024

Grizzlies Preview

A look at the Memphis Grizzlies entering the 2024-25 season …

Coach: Taylor Jenkins
Last Season: 27-55 (failed to make the playoffs)
New Faces: Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Jay Huff
Key Losses: Ziaire Williams, Trey Jemison, Derrick Rose, Jordan Goodwin, Timmy Allen, Zavier Simpson, Jack White, Lamar Stevens, Yuta Watanabe

Overview

The Grizzlies are at a crossroads, staring down what might be the most critical season in franchise history. Last year’s derailment wasn’t just about Ja Morant’s suspension — it was about a team that couldn’t catch a break. Steven Adams out for the year. Brandon Clarke barely making it to the floor. Twenty different players missing a combined 577 games. It wasn’t pretty.

By the time Morant returned, Memphis was already sinking fast. And when he went down again with a shoulder injury, there was no turning back. The Grizzlies limped to the finish line and ended the season in disarray.

But here we are, a new season, and Memphis is hoping to flip the script. The question, as always, comes down to health and finding the right balance.

There’s reason for hope. Desmond Bane turned heads last year, stepping up in Morant’s absence and posting career numbers. He’s shown he can carry the load when needed, averaging nearly 24 points per game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has proven he’s more than just a shot-blocking force — he’s evolving into a legitimate offensive weapon, capable of creating for himself and others.

And let’s not forget about Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 mountain of a man they grabbed with the No. 9 pick. He’s a beast in the paint, and Memphis desperately needs that.

But with all that talent comes uncertainty. How does Edey fit next to Jackson? Can Clarke come back strong? Is Marcus Smart the defensive glue this team needs, or are they just packing the paint with another non-shooter?

And of course, can Morant stay on the floor and avoid another setback?

If Memphis can figure all that out — and stay healthy — it is looking at a top-10 finish on both ends of the floor. The West is loaded, but Memphis has enough to win 50 games and make some noise come playoff time. But if things go south, if the injuries pile up again or if the pieces don’t fit, it could be another long, frustrating season.

Basically, the Grizzlies have a ton of potential. They’ve also got a lot of question marks. It’s all about getting those questions answered before it’s too late.