Memphis Grizzlies
The 2022-23 Memphis Grizzlies can be defined by a turn to the dark side and losing to the Lakers in the first round.
What did we learn?
The Grizzlies quickly transformed into the villains of the NBA.
It’s always amazing to see how fast things — and our perception of things — can change.
This was very recently one of the NBA’s premier up-and-coming teams, a fun and shiny new toy. Everyone’s league pass darling. But actions and words can alter everything in a significant way.
First on The Rise and Fall of Ja Morant — a possible silver lining here is that maybe all of this coming to light now will save him from further darkness. But the fact remains that he has tarnished his legacy and has to earn our trust back.
The fact also remains that he is a fantastic player, one of the best and most fun, electric athletes in the entire game. We all want to see him play. We all want him to be okay.
Next on Dillon Brooks — poking bears ain’t it, dawg. You come at The King, you best not miss. D-Brooks missed with another brick.
Now to Jaren Jackson Jr. — thankfully, talking just ball here. The Defensive Player of the Year completely transformed this defense once he made his season debut. The Grizz had one of the worst defenses without him at the beginning of the year but finished the season with the No. 3 defense. JJJ led the league in blocks per game for the second straight year, this time swatting 3 (!!) per game.
The Grizzlies were definitely better with Steven Adams in the lineup. Losing Adams to injury was tough and then losing Brandon Clarke was on top of it was detrimental. When it rains, it pours.
Desmond Bane was solid, but he also dealt with injuries that hampered his third season and caused him to miss 24 games. Tyus Jones remains one of the best (if not THE) best backup point guard in the league.
The Grizzlies still rang up 51 wins, unlocking the 2-seed in the Western Conference for the second straight season. They profiled as the same team with the most points in the paint, and top marks in fast break points (#2) and second-chance points (#6).
But the Lakers were out for blood in the first round.
The Grizz riled up the wrong beast.
Hopefully, it was one of a few valuable lessons learned.
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Additional Notes
Between Bane and trade-deadline acquisition Luke Kennard, Memphis has two of the best 3-point snipers in the game. (Oof, that word choice is questionable here now.)
Gotta love what we saw from David Big Body Roddy and Kenny Lofton Jr. The Thicc Bros!
The unsung heroes for the Grizz include John Konchar and Santi Aldama. The ole reliables, Aldama played 77 games and Konchar played in 72.
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
Even though it feels like the Grizz won’t be as good this season, they don’t have to be. Over 49 wins.
Grizzlies 2022-23 record: (51-31)
Yes indeed. It was kinda close with the Grizz sneaking over in the last week.
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What’s Next?
The Ja Morant suspension. 25 games is a lot. The Grizz were 40-21 with Ja this season and 11-10 without him.
The No. 25 pick in the draft. GM Zach Kleiman has quite the track record with these.
Dillon Brooks is gone, so that spot will need to be filled. [UPDATE: As a part of the 3-team Porzingis to the Celtics trade, the Grizzlies have traded Tyus Jones and the No. 25 pick for… Marcus Smart!]
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Favorite Grizzlies Highlight of the 2022-23 Season:
The Return of Power Dunk City. Coming Soon.
