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Memphis Grizzlies: This year’s team draws close similarities to 2009-10 Grizzlies

By Jack Williams

Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The Memphis Grizzlies are a step ahead of the 2009-10 squad

The present-day Memphis Grizzlies are earlier on in their rebuild than the 2009-10 Grizzlies were. Whether it comes down to good coaching, overperforming players, or a worse NBA, this team is well ahead of schedule.

The 2009-10 squad, on the other hand, already had their roles in place. This can be exemplified when you look at the minute distributions across the team. The starters each individually averaged over 32 minutes per game.

Take a look at today’s squad and you won’t find a single player meet the 32-minute mark. Ja Morant spends the most time out on the court with 31.5 minutes. Everybody else is under a half-hour of game time per contest.

While this is definitely a sign of a less-developed team, it is also a sign of a team that holds much more depth than the 2009-10 squad. In fact, this season, the Grizzlies have arguably more depth than any other team in the league.

As the youngest team in the NBA, they’re winning games and sharing the rock. There are entirely new contributors in each contest, proving that any single player on the roster can step up on game day.

Earlier into a rebuild without their second-best player, the Memphis Grizzlies are on track to finish the season with a winning record. The 2009-10 team missed the playoffs and went 40-42. If present success is an indicator of future success, Grizzlies fans can be excited about the next few years.

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