The NBA Playoffs are ongoing in the second round as all series are transitioning into their Game 3s this weekend. The Memphis Grizzlies lost to two of the Western Conference second-round participants in the postseason this year, and all four within the last week of the regular season, with seeding on the line.
The Grizzlies held the number six seed with a chance to move up to four when they faced the current six-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves on April 10th at the FedExForum. However, after leading at halftime, the Grizzlies surrendered 52 points to the Timberwolves in the third quarter before losing 141-125 to fall into the play-in tournament position.
Now, Memphis is sitting at home while Minnesota battles the Golden State Warriors in the second round for a chance to make a second straight trip to the Western Conference Finals. It wasn't long ago that Memphis defeated Minnesota to advance to the second round in their first-round series in 2022.
With the Timberwolves securing their consecutive second-round appearance, the Grizzlies need to take away these key things to elevate themselves to their level going forward.
Surround Ja Morant with versatile wing defenders and shooters
Players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker (who is an upcoming free agent) and Donte DiVincenzo are players who would fit perfectly next to Ja Morant, just as they are next to Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has a solid mix of 3-and-D role players that make life easier for Edwards to become a regular high-level playoff performer.
The Grizzlies thought they had the same level of guys this season, and still might for the future, in Vince Williams Jr. and Jaylen Wells, but both were out during the playoffs. Wells figures to be in a similar mold to the above-mentioned players, but the fanbase has soured on Williams Jr. after an injury-riddled season.
Having an influx of wing role players is a needed commodity in this era's NBA, as seen throughout the entirety of this year's playoffs. Memphis will have its options this summer to make the necessary moves to maximize Ja Morant's career just as Minnesota is doing with Anthony Edwards.
Unlock Jaren Jackson Jr.'s performance in the playoffs
The Grizzlies' two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year winner is too good to be averaging 16 points on 38% shooting in the playoffs this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. is widely recognized as one of the best big men in the NBA, but he has continuously disappeared when the team needs him the most.
Julius Randle had the same problem before his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. The Grizzlies need to look into what the Timberwolves are doing with Randle to make him effective, so they can apply it to Jaren. It can start with implementing more pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop opportunities between him and Ja Morant, which are nearly nonexistent at the moment.