The Memphis Grizzlies might not be the biggest name in the NBA, but they are definitely one of the most exciting teams to watch. Over the years, the Grizzlies have built a reputation for being a hard-nosed, defensive-oriented team that has the ability to grind out wins against even the toughest opponents. With a young, exciting roster and a fresh new coaching staff, the Grizzlies are poised to make some major strides in the coming years.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins has only been with the team for one season, but he has already made a significant impact on the Grizzlies’ style of play. Under Jenkins’ guidance, the team has become more offensively focused, while still maintaining its trademark defensive intensity. Jenkins has been able to implement a more modern, fast-paced offensive style that has resulted in the Grizzlies becoming one of the highest-scoring teams in the league.
One of the key players driving the Grizzlies’ success is point guard Ja Morant. Morant was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and he has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league. With a combination of incredible athleticism and natural ball-handling skills, Morant has the ability to take over a game at any moment. In his rookie season, he averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, and he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Another rising star on the Grizzlies’ roster is shooting guard Dillon Brooks. Brooks has been with the Grizzlies since he was drafted in the second round in 2017, and he has steadily improved every year. This season he has been a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ offensive success, averaging over 16 points per game while shooting over 38% from the three-point line. Brooks has a tenacious work ethic that has helped him become one of the most reliable scoring threats on the team.
Beyond Morant and Brooks, the Grizzlies have several other young players with a lot of potential. Power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is an incredibly versatile big man who can score from anywhere on the court, and his defensive skills are already elite. Small forward Justise Winslow is a new addition to the Grizzlies’ roster this season, and when healthy, he is a dynamic player who can contribute in a variety of ways.
The Grizzlies’ success this year is even more impressive when you consider how deep the Western Conference is. With teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, and the Los Angeles Clippers, the competition is fierce. Despite this, the Grizzlies were able to secure the eighth seed in the playoffs, where they faced off against the top-seeded Lakers in the first round.
Although the Grizzlies were ultimately swept by the Lakers, they put up a strong fight in each game. They demonstrated that they are a young team that should not be underestimated. With a bit more experience and some key improvements, the Grizzlies could be a legitimate playoff contender in the coming years.
In recent years, the NBA has been dominated by a handful of powerhouse teams. However, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team that should not be overlooked. With their young, exciting roster and new, modern coaching style, the Grizzlies are positioning themselves to be a major force in the league in the near future. Keep an eye on this team – they just might surprise you.