For the Memphis Grizzlies, 2020 was a season where Taylor Jenkins‘ squad wasn’t expected to be extremely competitive. In the middle of a rebuild, the expectation was set for them to improve from last season.
And with the injury to Jaren Jackson Jr., expectations dropped even further. With the team’s second-best player out, many experts predicted Memphis to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
They wouldn’t do that.
The Grizzlies finished the season with 38 wins, a higher total than they saw a year prior despite having less available talent. It was an unexpected year for a team that was the youngest in the league for a large portion of the season.
What will the Memphis Grizzlies’ regular-season record be in 2021-22?
When it comes to 2021-22, it’s hard to form a prediction as to what the Grizzlies’ record will end up being during the regular season. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be back in the lineup but it’s unclear whether this will be a positive or a negative.
At the end of the season, it seemed like the offense wasn’t flowing like it was before his return. That’s just the reality of what will happen when you’re missing a key part of the rotation for most of the season. Team chemistry changes.
In the long run, the Grizzlies will become a better team. That said, their record could take a hit in the short run. Even so, there’s no reason why each of the young players on the Grizzlies shouldn’t improve the roster from top to bottom.
As a result, I’d expect the Grizzlies’ record to jump a few wins, with a final record that doesn’t give the full story for how well they can play.
Memphis Grizzlies 2021-22 record prediction: 45-37
A 22-year old Ja Morant could potentially lead the Grizzlies on another playoff run, only this time, they might have a chance to advance past the first round.
They still won’t be near a favorite to win the conference but the Grizzlies’ have an opportunity to make some noise in the upcoming season. With NBA Playoff experience and a solidified roster, there’s no telling what this team’s ceiling will be.