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Opinion
Despite a surprise loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that included a dumbfounding Ja Morant ejection, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at the top of the Western Conference (19-10).
Considering their impressive 2021-22 season, this shouldn’t come as a shock. What is impressive, however, is that they sit atop the conference despite significant missed time from their top three players Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
In explaining this, credit must be given to the entire Grizzlies roster, coaching and organisation. Although having a youthful team can be challenging, this Grizzlies team has grown and established a culture of confidence. This is evident in their chemistry, how they hold themselves and how hard they play.
Throughout the roster is an abundance of unsung heroes. Center Steven Adams has been reliable as one of the best screen-setters and rebounders in the league. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Morant opens up the Grizzlies offence and continues to evolve.
Although streaky, Dillon Brooks’s confidence, defence and ability to create something out of nothing have been helpful in tough situations.
Driving arguably the best bench in the league is backup point guard Tyus Jones. His willingness to shoot more threes has added to his proficient playmaking game. Credit must be given to Jones for having big games when Morant has been out, including a 28/10 game against Miami and 22/11 against Atlanta, both resulting in wins.
Fourth-year player Brandon Clarke continues to be one of the league’s most reliable backup big men. Clarke is constantly a lob threat, hustles for offensive boards and can guard multiple positions.
Further solidifying himself as a rotation player, John Konchar has been a capable shooting guard in the absence of Desmond Bane. Konchar provides good shooting and cutting and plays within himself, constantly making the right decision.
There have been a couple of fresh additions to the Grizzlies rotation that are making an impact. After a limited role last year, Santi Aldama vindicated the coaching staff’s decision to start him in Jackson’s absence to start the season. His improved three-point shooting and defence have been noticeable, as the tall power forward is averaging 10.1 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game in about 24 minutes per game.
After an underwhelming start, rookie David Roddy has carved himself a rotation role. Roddy is hitting a respectable amount of corner threes and making smart reads, and he’s defending well in a number of challenging match-ups. His greater comfortability was evident in a couple of neat turnaround jumpers in the Grizzlies’ recent thrashing of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Along with the return of versatile second-year wing Ziaire Williams, the Grizzlies have multiple end-of-roster players who can step up. Rookies Jake LaRavia and Kennedy Chandler along with Xavier Tillman have all provided respectable minutes when called upon.
Getting contributions from all players and producing a high level of play despite missed time from their top three players is a testament to the Grizzlies and how great a team they are. While preseason noise favoured a number of their Western Conference counterparts, Memphis are demonstrating they are a force to be reckoned with.
Ultimately what will determine how far they will go this post-season will depend heavily on Morant, Bane and Jackson.
Ja Morant has continued to impress upon his 2021-22 breakout season. While his shooting effectiveness isn’t quite at the level of that season, his facilitating helps drive the Grizz offensive engine. The team’s struggles without him in last year’s playoffs proved just how important he is to their success.
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The emergence of Bane as a potential all-star gives hope to the Grizzlies’ chances. In those 12 games prior to his toe injury, Bane averaged 24.7 points per game while shooting 45.1 per cent from three. On top of that, Bane has improved as a facilitator in the pick-and-roll, netting just under five assists per game. His development as a reliable ball-handler and scorer could be instrumental for Memphis moving forward.
Having had foot surgery in the off-season, defensive stalwart Jaren Jackson Jr missed the first 14 games of the season. But upon his return his impact is noticeable. When Jackson has played, the Grizzlies have the second-best defence in the league, improving what is otherwise a middling defence without him.
Jackson’s block-shotting ability and presence in the paint will be crucial in post-season play. Additionally, his offensive game looks to have improved from last season. Jackson is shooting over 50 per cent from the field, making effective use of his post-game.
An important fact to note is that Morant, Bane and Jackson haven’t played in any one game together this season. One can imagine their record if they had all been healthy throughout. What will largely determine their post-season is whether Bane and Jackson rise to the level that they have shown flashes of in this early part of the season.
While still a young team, the Grizzlies have the talent and demeanour to match any team in the Western Conference. If injuries subside, Memphis may surprise everyone and be in the NBA finals come June 2023.
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