Watching the NBA Playoffs for an NBA team sitting at home can be excruciating, especially for a team that was eliminated by one of the four teams remaining. The Memphis Grizzlies' season ended with a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently leading the Minnesota Timberwolves 2-0.
The difference between the Grizzlies and the four teams remaining based on roster construction was documented as they start five players they have drafted. None of the four conference finalists has more than two starters they drafted, as they have filled out the rest of their lineups through trades and free agency (mostly trades).
However, while continuing to watch the playoffs can be hard for a team like Memphis, watching it can teach them what they need (front office) and skills the current players need to improve on. Watching the games with a clear lens to gain understanding of what level it takes to make it that far is a learning lesson the team needs to take away from the experience.
Learning Lesson: Hiding Ja Morant on defense with the right pieces
The pace the league is played now makes it harder for top-level players to excel on both ends of the court. Ja Morant was a much-improved defender this season than in years past due to his offensive load being shared more by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s ascension.
However, Jackson Jr. struggled in the playoffs along with Desmond Bane, which put the pressure back on Morant to carry the Grizzlies' offense. With that came the Thunder seeking him out on the defensive end of the court.
The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have done a great job of surrounding their star point guards with the requisite pieces surrounding them that can make an open three and defend the toughest assignments. Jaylen Wells' injury and Vince Williams Jr. not returning to 100% hurt the Grizzlies' chances at making that happen this postseason.
Desmond Bane's name has been the one that has been mentioned as a potential trade piece due to this reality and the NBA's second apron looming with a possible Jaren Jackson Jr. extension in the cards. Bane can't take on the toughest assignment on defense, which leads the Grizzlies to struggle to defend the opposing team's backcourt in the biggest moments.
Simply getting a healthy Brandon Clarke, second-year leap from Jaylen Wells, and development from Vince Williams Jr. could be the trio that can play in pairs alongside Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. However, the Grizzlies must seek other players who are more experienced, fitting that role, to be sure they can make a run next season.