Offseason
Re-signing: Luke Kennard
Additions: None
Draft: Zach Edey (No. 9 pick), Jaylen Wells (No. 39), Cam Spencer (No. 53)
Departures: Jordan Goodwin (to Lakers), Derrick Rose (retired), Lamar Stevens (to Pistons), Yuta Watanabe (to Japan), Ziaire Williams (to Nets)
Last season
The Grizzlies’ season was basically put on hold until 2024-25 between Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension and his season-ending injury. That wasn’t all, though. Other injuries compelled the Grizzlies into auditions and giving some burn to younger players. That was the right strategy with GG Jackson (Kia All-Rookie Second Team) and Vince Williams emerging as future rotational players and giving the 27-win team a dose of hope.
Summer summary
Is big out of style in today’s NBA? Memphis will find out after selecting Zach Edey with the No. 9 pick. He left a trail of robust double-doubles behind at Purdue, where he overpowered opponents and usually had his way in the paint.
That said, Edey can be a bit slow-footed and limited laterally, which could leave him vulnerable to defensive switches. But, heck – he is 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds. You cannot teach that, as the cliche goes. With the right player development system he can become useful. Not as a starter maybe right away, but in certain situations and matchups, he has value.
Rookie Profiles
Zach Edey
Meet Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Jaylen Wells
Meet Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 39 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Center Stage
Marcus Smart was brought in last summer as an insurance policy on Morant, and then the weirdest thing happened: Smart played only 11 more games than Morant due to injuries. So, really, this is his “first” season with the Grizzlies. They could use his leadership and defense in what should be a more competitive situation given Morant’s return. Can he do for Memphis what he once did for Boston?
How far can the Grizzlies go?
Memphis is the wildest of wild cards in the Western Conference and throughout the league. Two seasons ago, they were NBA darlings and thought of as a future contender after they reached the West semifinals. Assuming last season was just a blip on the radar because of injuries and Morant’s issues, does that mean the Grizzlies automatically get back in line?
Morant will be back with a lion’s roar, proving he is still the best. In his absence, Desmond Bane emerged as a top threat, and there is Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., and possibly even Brandon Clarke. There’s talent on this roster. The largest question becomes whether they will be expecting Edey to immediately play the part Steven Adams did capably for several years.
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