Can the Grizzlies Catch Up?

Can the Grizzlies catch up?

The league changes fast. Teams that were non-factors a few years ago are now title contenders in the NBA. Teams that were jokes not long ago have built playoff rosters. With that, there has been a team caught up in the middle. Two years ago, the Memphis Grizzlies looked like the future. Securing the second seed with Ja Morant looking like a future MVP. Along with Jaren Jackson Jr. winning the Defensive Player of the Year. Ja Morant's bright future took a turn when the league caught him for the second time, showing off a gun. It halted the Grizzlies' last season. Ja's suspension and an injury mid-season caused them to miss the playoffs. Now, teams like the Thunder, Wolves, and Mavs have gotten better. Competition in the league has become tough; can the Grizzlies compete next season?

This upcoming season will be a fresh start for Memphis. Ja Morant comes into this season with a fresh start and health. Having the chance to build where he left off. Along with Brandon Clarke, who is coming off of an Achilles injury. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the team's defensive anchor. Desmond Bane, who got a big payday a few seasons back, can be the second scoring option. Even having the chance of an All-Star jump that the franchise has been wanting. One of the guys who was the most impressive was GG Jackson. He was one of the best rookies last year at the age of 20. Despite all this talent, the West may not be enough to make a top-4 seed. Teams are so much more talented and built all around better. The Grizzlies lack rebounding. It could hurt them this season.

The Timberwolves are big. Nikola Jokic is a top center. It's hard to imagine that the Memphis rookie can hold his own. Zach Edey is the ninth pick in this past draft. He must cover the rebounding, a weak spot for Jaren Jackson Jr. since he joined the league. The Memphis Grizzlies seem to be confident in their pick. It was clear as they moved away from Steven Adams. There are big shoes for Zach to fill. One thing that is a plus about Zach is that he is a lot older than most players in his class. His body is more developed, so he could very well play against other bigs.

If Zach Edey pays off big next season, then the frontcourt of him and Jaren can compete with the best. Two bigs who can play defense. In the summer league, he looked like a total beast. The way he was able to rebound and roll to the basket brings a lot of optimism. Along with Scottie Pippen Jr., who seems like he can be a legit player off the bench. The Memphis Grizzlies are exciting. They could be fun to watch again. With Ja Morant returning, you know every night Memphis will be one of the most exciting teams to watch.

Ja Morant is a walking highlight. He is one of the most exciting players to watch night in and night out. He bounces off the ground and dunks so loudly that everyone in the nosebleed seats can hear it. Last season, it seemed like everyone forgot who Ja was. The rise of Anthony Edwards and SGA made everyone forget who Ja was. Until he had his legendary performance against the Pelicans. He scored 34 points along with ending the game with a buzzer-beater. His one game brought hope that Memphis could make a play-in run. That is how incredible he is. Showing the world that he is a generational star.

If Ja can become an MVP-caliber player, it might be hard for the league to stop the Grizzlies. Especially if the talent around him pans out. A player who can score at will and create chances for JJJ and Bane, the talented off-ball players. With how much emphasis the league has on wing defenders. There is hope that GG Jackson makes the jump in being able to guard forwards. That is where the competition gets tough.

This past playoff showed the world that teams are changing their builds. The Celtics, Mavs, and Timberwolves have many players who can switch onto anyone. The Clippers chose to get versatile forwards instead of extending Paul George. An extension would have left them stuck. Memphis has gotten younger since 2022. There are flexible moves that they could make throughout the season. Yes, the Grizzlies can catch up if their young players can league ready and Ja plays at an MVP level. Right now, the Grizzlies are written off due to how exciting the other teams are. If everything pans out for Memphis, they could potentially be a top-5 seed.

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