Grizzly Grades: Memphis Grizzlies’ 2019-20 NBA Season
By AJ Salah
Asset Management
Sometimes, a little luck doesn’t hurt.
The Memphis Grizzlies got a massive assist from some ping pong balls, improbably leaping up the draft lottery to snag Ja Morant mere weeks before trading franchise PG Mike Conley.
Ja then obviously torched all expectations for his debut season, and will win Rookie of the Year in a landslide whenever the NBA announces it. It’s tough to give Memphis too much credit here; Morant was an obvious pick at #2, and produced a best-case outcome.
But 19 spots later, they pulled off likely the draft’s most savvy pick. Memphis swiped Brandon Clarke, who will join Morant on the All-Rookie First Team, and could be a future star in his own right.
The Grizzlies were extremely active on the trade market, flipping bodies like flapjacks and consistently coming out on top. They shed lingering burdens (peace, Chancun!) recouped some lost draft equity, deferred cap space optimally, and unearthed max return from multiple bench pieces.
Dillon Brooks’ extension came at a very reasonable price, and keeps their core under contract through 2022, buying Memphis all kinds of time to grow.
The only possible strike against the Grizzlies is the massive gamble on Justise Winslow’s long-term health. Counting playoffs, Winslow has missed over 40% of his five-year NBA career, including his would-be debut with Memphis.
If healthy, he’s an awesome get, and the right age (just 24). But after ditching one perpetually-injured small forward, it’s surprising that Memphis invested so heavily in another.
Even if Winslow turns out to be a lemon, this was largely a textbook display of asset management for Memphis. They enter next season with an enviable stable of young talent; already a floor as playoff contenders, and oodles of upside.