Memphis Grizzlies: 5 big questions for the 2020-21 season

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Oct 27, 2019; Memphis, TN, USA; A view of the Memphis Grizzlies mascot and flames and flag before the game between the Grizzlies and the Nets at the FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

After taking the NBA by surprise last season, the Memphis Grizzlies will have to cut their teeth in a tougher Western Conference.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2019-20 season went about as well as humanly possible. The Grizzlies roundly overachieved on the court and made shrewd front office moves off the court, likely fast-tracking their rebuild by several years.

But as the 2020-21 campaign dawns, last season’s almost-playoff darlings will face a serious reality check.

Memphis has completely lost the element of surprise; the league is well aware they’re a young core to be reckoned with. And nobody in the Western Conference will be backing down, with every team but Oklahoma City likely fancying themselves playoff contenders.

This season will be a crucial litmus test for the Grizzlies’ maturation process as their roster, oozing with potential, gels. It’s easy to envision several West teams leapfrogging Memphis, but also possible that they hold court and evolve as a unit.

As training camps open and the season sprints our way, several variables will be of utmost importance to the 901.

Here are the Memphis Grizzlies’ Five Big Questions for 2020-21:

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