The Memphis Grizzlies roll into the 2019-2020 season at the beginning of a rebuild. Many long-time faces, both on the court and in the front office, are gone. First-year head coach Taylor Jenkins looks to do what the previous two Grizzlies head coaches could not: stay longer than two seasons. On top of that, Jenkins will have the task of developing the young talent on the current roster, and bring a winning culture to the city. It is a new era in Memphis. How will the new-look Grizzlies fair this season? Let’s take a look.
Key Additions: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, Tyus Jones
The New Orleans Pelicans may have “won” the lottery by landing Zion Williamson, but the Grizzlies happily took Ja Morant with the second overall pick. Morant is an explosive playmaker. Pairing him with Jaren Jackson Jr. and 21st overall pick Brandon Clarke makes a deadly trio going forward. Tyus Jones is another young player signed in free agency that can add depth behind Morant and mentor him. Jones did not get a lot of minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but during those minutes he played well.
Key Loss: Mike Conley
When Memphis secured the second overall pick in the draft, the writing was on the wall for Mike Conley and his time in Memphis. Conley was shipped to the Utah Jazz shortly before the draft, officially handing the point guard duties to Morant before he was even drafted. Losing a vet such as Conley hurts, but if the Grizzlies are ever to return to the playoffs, a rebuild must be embraced and begin.
Potential Starting Lineup: Morant, Anderson, Crowder, Jackson Jr, Valanciunas
Though Andre Iguodala is on the roster, I doubt he starts or plays that much. Iguodala does not want to play in Memphis, but the Grizzlies will not buy him out. Instead, the Grizzlies will look to trade him, most likely for picks. I don’t see Dillon Brooks starting, at least not for the beginning of the season. He is coming off an injury ridden season, so I expect him to take it slow to start.
Projected Wins: 30
This is close to the win total the Grizzlies had last season. Considering that this team will mostly be made of young players, it is not that bad. Jackson showed a lot of promise last year. He drove to the rim with authority and purpose, something that he can build upon in his second season.
This team will show flashes, but Grizzlies fans will have to live with the fact their team will lose a lot more than win.
