The story about the current era of Grizzlies basketball can't be written without mentioning their battles with the Golden State Warriors. They have met in postseason play three times in the last five seasons, with the Warriors coming out on top in two of those scenarios. Their playoff series in the second round of the 2022 playoffs was so electrifying that the NBA gave the Grizzlies their first-ever Christmas Day game against the Warriors later that year.
Now, the Grizzlies' core is older with more experience and a clear hurdle to get past their rivals, as the Warriors are older and inching closer to retirement with their core. The Warriors' addition of Jimmy Butler added a little more spice to the rivalry after his public announcement behind back channels of not wanting to play in Memphis when he was looking to be traded from the Miami Heat last season.
The move to obtain Butler gave the Warriors enough to defeat the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament in April. That loss led to the Grizzlies' demise in the first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Warriors defeated the second-seeded Houston Rockets before losing in the second round. If Memphis wants to move past the little brother label, they must execute these things to move past the Warriors in the West once and for all.
Jaren Jackson Jr. must listen to Draymond Green's advice
Draymond Green and Jaren Jackson Jr. have a close relationship as fellow alumni from Michigan State University. So, it was no surprise that Green expressed disappointment in Jackson Jr.'s foul trouble following the Warriors' victory over the Grizzlies in their final regular-season matchup last season when he fouled out of the close game.
Additionally, Jaren Jackson Jr. got into early foul trouble in their play-in matchup with the Warriors later that month, which resulted in the Grizzlies losing to them in close fashion yet again. Jackson Jr. has had good games against the Warriors in his career, but has shrunk in the big moments against them. That will have to change if the Grizzlies desire to move past them in the standings and key postseason-type matchups.
The Grizzlies must enable strength in numbers
The Warriors won four championships with the moniker "Strength in Numbers," and the Grizzlies did a good job of exercising that during their 2021-22 season that ended with their longest playoff run since Ja Morant was drafted in 2019. The Grizzlies have an influx of youth on their roster who are expected to contribute this season, but have relevant experience to combine with the youth.
Morant, Jackson Jr., Caldwell-Pope, Ty Jerome, etc. should be enough to cover for the growing pains players like Cedric Coward and GG Jackson will experience with increased playing time. Without a clear third option, the Grizzlies will need a collective effort from everyone to fill in the void left by Desmond Bane's departure this summer.