3 key players behind an unexpected Grizzlies playoff push

1. Ja Morant

It is a very rare thing that one player can truly change the outlook and national perception of a team by himself, and yet that is exactly what Ja Morant has done for the Memphis Grizzlies. Averaging 18 and 7 a game, and regularly showing superstar talent, the young Murray State product has shown exactly why he came in with such great expectations. Explosion off the dribble and a very solid permitter jump shot has made him a headache to guard. He has shown the ability to play high level defense, ask Kyrie Irving, but is improving all the time.

As for his role in the future, the Grizzlies will no doubt want more of the same from the young star, but also hope for consistent defensive improvement, where advanced stats currently have him middling on this team. It is always more of a long-term development issue when it comes to guards in the NBA, as the pace and physicality of the game always presents an adjustment period in and of itself.  With that being said though, Ja is a massive part of this franchise now and for the long term, and a player the Grizzlies will certainly do their best to nourish and help improve.

This Grizzlies team has all the potential in the world, a bright young nucleus, seasoned veterans to help grow and educate them, and a coaching staff led by Taylor Jenkins that finally has this team going in the right direction. Success will follow this nucleus, and it’s not a matter of if, it is certainly a matter of when.