NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Knicks, OG Anunoby, Pistons

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies may have bought themselves time. They did not necessarily solve anything.

Landing the No. 3 pick changes the conversation around Ja Morant, but it does not end it. As Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal wrote, Memphis is still expected to take another look at Morant’s trade market after a turbulent season.

Morant appeared in just 20 games and clashed with coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies explored trades before the deadline and found no traction.

Now they have options.

At No. 3, Memphis is widely expected to choose between Duke big Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. Cole described Boozer as the “cleaner fit,” especially alongside Zach Edey.

The bigger picture remains in play. Memphis also owns picks No. 16 and 32 and has already begun working out prospects. The lottery luck could accelerate a reset built around youth.

Morant still fits. The timeline may not.

Knicks

The Knicks are hopeful they will have OG Anunoby back when it matters most.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Vincent Goodwill, there is optimism Anunoby will be ready for the start of the Eastern Conference finals, barring any setback. He has been sidelined with a hamstring strain suffered in the previous round.

Coach Mike Brown is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“Any time anybody is able to do stuff, you’re encouraged,” Brown said. “But again, that’s what they told me he could do today. I’ll wait until Friday to see what they tell me.”

The extra rest has helped. New York’s sweep has bought time, and the next series will not begin until at least Sunday.

Anunoby did not go full speed in practice, but he is progressing. That alone is a positive sign.

Pistons

The Pistons have proven they can compete. The question is whether they have enough offense to finish.

Detroit’s need for a reliable second scorer behind Cade Cunningham has been under the spotlight, especially after Game 5. Hunter Patterson of The Athletic noted the Pistons have struggled badly in clutch situations.

Cunningham has carried the load. The rest of the roster has not kept pace.

In eight playoff games decided in the clutch, Detroit owns an offensive rating of just 91.5. Cunningham has 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting in those moments. His teammates have combined for 21 points on 8-of-26.

That gap has shown up late in games.

The Pistons have been in more clutch situations than any team this postseason. They have not consistently capitalized.

Until that changes, the ceiling may stay right where it is.