Last season was nothing short of disappointing for the Memphis Grizzlies. More often than not, the team’s injury report was longer than its list of eligible players. At various points, the Grizzlies were forced to rely on a mix of two-way players and 10-day contract signings just to field a legal roster.
Heading into the new season, the hope is that the days of key players spending extended time on the injury list are behind them, despite a recent run of preseason injuries. GG Jackson, Vince Williams and rookie Cam Spencer are all sidelined and Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a mild hamstring strain, though the team revealed Wednesday that he is expected to be ready for the season opener.
If the projected starters can stay healthy, the Grizzlies are poised to climb back to the top of the competitive Western Conference.
Despite last season’s struggles, there were several bright spots. GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. both saw significant playing time and earned regular contracts. Scotty Pippen Jr. also showed he has what it takes to play in the NBA on a consistent basis.
As of now, the Grizzlies have 13 players signed to NBA contracts. Per the league’s collective bargaining agreement, they must sign an additional player within the first two weeks of the season. That player could be Pippen, who mentioned that he’s had talks with the front office and is pleased with his position on the team.
The good news is that the Grizzlies’ key players are healthy and ready to go. Ja Morant, who only played in nine games last season, is back, along with Marcus Smart, who missed much of the season with injuries. Brandon Clarke, who returned after the All-Star break, is also ready for action. The projected starting five of Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Morant, Desmond Bane, and Smart should be a force to reckon with.
On working out with the team, Morant said, “I feel like this is one of the best rosters that we have.” Bane wasn’t shy about stating his belief that the Grizzlies can challenge for a championship, while Jackson Jr., who will now share the floor with Edey, noted, “With him being out there I feel I can be a little stealthier.” Every player gave hints at what this season could hold if everyone stays healthy.
Transition in the Locker Room
The Grizzlies will also have to adjust to the absence of a key veteran voice. Derrick Rose, who provided leadership and experience in the locker room last season, recently announced his retirement. His departure was felt throughout the team, with players expressing their appreciation for Rose’s contributions. General Manager Zach Kleiman, unprompted, acknowledged Rose’s importance during recent interviews.
Injury Updates and Team Chemistry
There were plenty of smiles and optimism during the Grizzlies’ media day on September 30, with players praising the early play of rookie Zach Edey. The session also provided a glimpse of the chemistry between Jaylen Wells and John Konchar, who shared a light-hearted moment that underscored the camaraderie within the squad.
Konchar, in a playful prank, spotted Wells at an establishment on Mud Island and approached him pretending to be a fan. He asked Wells for a photo, which Wells obligingly took. The joke was supposed to continue until practice, but the cashier ruined the gag by revealing to Wells that Konchar was, in fact, his teammate.
Unfortunately, not everything is going smoothly for the team’s depth chart. GG Jackson is not expected to return until late December, Vince Williams will likely miss the start of the season, and Cam Spencer, the sharpshooter from UConn, hurt his ankle last week. However, Spencer should be ready for the start of the season.
Training Camp and Preseason Outlook
The Grizzlies know that nothing will be handed to them this season. Each player acknowledged a sense of humility, knowing that they will have to earn back the respect of their competitors. As one player put it, “This is a league where you’re forgotten quickly—you have to prove your worth every season.”
After their media day obligations, the Grizzlies headed to Nashville for training camp, which included a public practice on October 6. The first scrimmage of the preseason is set to take place on October 7 in Dallas, where they’ll face the Mavericks at 7 p.m.
This season, the Grizzlies are determined to avoid the setbacks of last year and prove that when fully healthy, they are a championship-caliber team.
