Memphis Grizzlies Season Preview

R.I.P. Grit ‘N Grind.

You weren’t our favorite brand of basketballin’ to watch, but we respected the hell out of ya.

The Memphis trade that sent Mike Conley to Utah back in June officially put the last nail in the coffin for an era of defensive minded Grizzlies basketball that produced solid and steady results, yet was so stuck-in-molasses-slow that sometimes we’d wish that Uma Thurman would burst in and do that eyeball snatch move on us from Kill Bill: Volume 2.

Over the last seven seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies finished dead last or second to last in pace four times and never better than 26th. Sometimes we would call them the Memphis Snails.

The next chapter of Grizz basketballin’ should be a faster game with more zip — a beacon of light shining from the lighthouse through the pitch black night, across the water to allow the lone row boat (this blog) to survive. The rebuild is centered around Jaren Jackson Jr. and this year’s #2 overall pick, Ja Morant.

Triple J had several moments last season that made us look around and say, “Woah, buddy.” The peak being two clutch threes, including a 4-point play, to force OT against the Nets in Brooklyn on a random Friday night in late November, en route to a career-high 36 points. The game just comes easy to him. At 6-foot-11 and 242 lbs, it’s remarkable that he has a 3-point stroke smoother than a butter shave. And on defense, he’s an absolute menace with a hulking 7-foot-5 wingspan. Do we have another unicorn waiting in the wings and in plain sight in Memphis?

Ja Morant burst onto the scene at Murray State, from an unknown to a lethal collegiate power dunker ready to ignite at any moment. He doesn’t have the 3-ball yet, but Ja does have speed and playmaking abilities that are ideal for pairing with JJJ.

Another rookie to monitor is Summer League MVP Brandon Clarke, an uber athlete that already looks like a draft night steal at #21 overall.

After the Raptors won the Finals, it was easy to feel sorry for DeMar DeRozan and Dwayne Casey, but don’t forget about Jonas Valanciunas. Memphis re-signed JV for three years and $45 million, so you don’t have to feel too bad.

Andre Iguodala is on the Memphis roster but probably only for a short while longer. The new front office plans to trade Iggy as soon as they find a contender willing to pony up their alleged steep asking price. Both parties have agreed that it’s best for Iggy to not even report to training camp. Plenty of playoff contenders would love to welcome Iguodala with open arms. Jae Crowder also better enjoy the Memphis BBQ while he still has the chance.

Solomon Hill ($13M) and Miles Plumlee ($12M) expiring contracts alert!

League Pass Notes

Ja Morant, spring-loaded rookie power dunker. Brandon Clarke can also get up.
Whether you root against him or truly just hate him, Grayson Allen now resides in Memphis. (But have you seen his girlfriend? GULP.)
The Grizzlies court at the FedExForum is a very nice backdrop.

The Final Questions / The Final Take

What is new 35-year-old head coach Taylor Jenkins’ vision? Who is Taylor Jenkins?

This year should be a more aesthetically pleasing style of basketballin’ to watch. We’re actually excited to tune in to the Grizz for JJJ and Ja.

Despite our excitement of the fountain of youth finally arriving and bringing speed to Memphis, the Grizzlies are still going to get annihilated in the West. UNDER 27.5 wins.