Notable Moves:
Additions: Ja Morant, Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, Andre Iguodala, Brandon Clarke, Josh Jackson, Solomon Hill, Jae Crowder, Dwight Howard
Subtractions: Mike Conley, Chandler Parsons, Avery Bradley, C.J. Miles, Justin Holiday, Delon Wright, Joakim Noah, Tyler Dorsey, Tyler Zeller
Projected Depth Chart:
PG: Ja Morant / Tyus Jones / Grayson Allen
SG: Dillon Brooks / Marko Guduric / Andre Iguodala*
SF: Brandon Clarke / Josh Jackson / Kyle Anderson / Solomon Hill
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. / Jae Crowder / Bruno Caboclo
C: Jonas Valanciunas / Miles Plumlee
Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley Jr. were the cornerstones of the most successful period of Grizzlies basketball. Conley was the last man standing and a trade to the Utah Jazz officially marked the end of the Grit n’ Grind era. Now it’s up to the new Grizzlies to make a name for themselves in Memphis.
It all starts with last year’s All-Rookie Team performer and this year’s 2nd overall pick, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. JJJ proved to be a key piece that can do pretty much everything on the court and play both sides of the ball. His rookie year was cut short due to injury, but he shot the ball well and defended at a very high level. With a season under his belt and a summer to work on his game, expect JJJ to increase his production this upcoming season.
Morant is coming off a 24-5-10 season at Murray State and will replace Conley as the franchise PG for years to come. His athleticism and decision making will make him a house hold name from the get-go and ROY contender. Alongside JJJ, the pick & roll possibilities are endless and should encourage Grizz fans everywhere.
Off the bench, newcomers Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen will receive opportunities at the point. Jones should bring a stabilizing veteran presence to the backcourt, and Allen some on-court tenacity that could make him a fan favorite as well.
Jae Crowder will provide a 3 & D presence at the 4, perfect for small-ball lineups featuring JJJ at the 5. Bruno Caboclo has been inconsistent throughout his career, but had his best season last year so building on it is within the realm of possibilities for the Brazilian forward.
As for the shooting guard position, it’ll be tricky for Coach Taylor Jenkins. Andre Iguodala is currently on the roster, but all signs point at him being either traded, bought out, or him retiring. Even though Memphis would love to have him to mentor their youngsters (so would 28 other teams), odds are Iggy won’t suit up for them anytime soon. Instead, third-year Dillon Brooks and foreign rookie Marko Guduric will share most of these minutes.
Good news is that the Grizzlies have a surplus of interchangeable wings that will challenge each other as soon as training camp starts. 22-year-old rookie Brandon Clarke has a case to start at small forward after a Summer League MVP performance, while Kyle Anderson and Solomon Hill offer serviceable backup options. After being exiled from Phoenix, former 4th overall pick Josh Jackson will also compete for a starting role and a chance to revive his once-promising career.
As for big men, Jonas Valanciunas flirted with a 20 and 11 stat line after being traded halfway through last season. A fresh start in Memphis and a full training camp with his new team could be what he needs to breakout. With Noah and Howard gone, JJJ should get minutes at the center position, especially since Miles Plumlee is the only other option available.
This team will be fun to watch and have two of the most intriguing prospects in the NBA. They may have many serviceable options, but their ceiling isn’t that high this year. Even though the Memphis Grizzlies won’t be remotely close to a playoff-spot this upcoming season, Grit & Grind is over and they’re in position to play a new brand of basketball. With all this changes, let the new era of Grizzlies basketball begin.
Before the 2019-2020 NBA season starts, NBA Porkchop will take an in-depth look at each basketball team separately. Team transactions, player additions/subtractions through free agency, depth charts, and season projections will be discussed.
NBA PORKCHOP 