Each NBA season sees teams contend with health challenges, but the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2023-24 campaign was particularly marred by injuries.
Here’s a summary of their setbacks:
– Steven Adams underwent season-ending knee surgery just before the season opener, and Brandon Clarke was sidelined for most of the season due to a torn Achilles.
– Ja Morant began the season with a 25-game suspension and played only nine games before being shut down with a torn labrum.
– Marcus Smart, acquired in a trade involving Tyus Jones and two first-round picks, played only 20 games due to ankle and finger injuries.
– Desmond Bane, who played 37 of the first 38 games, suffered an ankle sprain and played only five more games.
Overall, the Grizzlies had 33 players see action, the highest number in NBA history for a single season. Despite winning 27 games, the season was largely seen as a loss.
Nevertheless, the season provided some valuable insights. Jaren Jackson Jr. gained experience and improved his offensive skills, Vince Williams Jr. emerged as a dynamic player, Scotty Pippen Jr. showed promise, and GG Jackson II demonstrated his scoring ability. Additionally, the Grizzlies secured the No. 9 pick in the draft, selecting Zach Edey, a two-time Naismith Award winner.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies retain a core similar to their successful 2021-22 season when they won 56 games and led the Western Conference in the 2022-23 season before injuries and off-court issues affected their performance. When healthy, Morant, Bane, and Jackson are considered one of the NBA’s top young trios.
– Morant, an All-NBA player at 22, excels in fast breaks, pick-and-roll plays, and finishing at the rim.
– Jackson, named Defensive Player of the Year at 23, is a top defender and rim protector.
– Bane, at 26, is an All-Star-caliber player with strong shooting and playmaking skills.
Smart, if healthy, could complement this trio with his defensive capabilities and offensive playmaking. The Grizzlies, despite finishing 12th in defensive rating last season, have historically performed well defensively when Jackson is paired with a strong defender.
Challenges remain, including potential spacing issues with Morant and Smart alongside a traditional center. Santi Aldama could improve offensive flow but might affect defense and rebounding. The performance of rookie Zach Edey, who could fill a role similar to Adams, will be crucial.
The Grizzlies’ previous success was partly due to the effective partnership of Adams and Jackson. Edey’s role will be to replicate some of Adams’ contributions.
The team also hopes to integrate promising players like Williams, who can replicate Dillon Brooks’ defensive role and offer offensive skills, and GG Jackson, who could provide a significant boost once he recovers from an offseason foot injury.
The Grizzlies’ bench, which includes Clarke, Aldama, Williams, Jackson, Pippen, Konchar, and Kennard, could be one of the strongest in the league. However, the team faces the challenge of staying healthy and addressing off-court issues, including Morant’s need for off-court maturity.
Despite the hurdles, the Grizzlies have the potential to reclaim their position among the top teams in the Western Conference.
