Memphis Grizzlies: Contributor 2021 offseason previews
What should the Memphis Grizzlies do in order to take the next step?
Jack Williams: “It’s hard to see the Grizzlies’ roster improving much more without a lottery pick or a big trade/FA signing. I think the next step, which may not be this off-season, will be to bring in one more key player. We heard it throughout the playoffs a million times – Memphis is one piece away from contending in the Western Conference.”
Taylor Goebel: “The Grizzlies need 3PT shooting help ASAP, they ranked 24th in 3PT FG this season and in this era, the 3 will either make or break a team. They need their current players to be more consistent shooting the 3 (Morant especially) or need to bring in a free agent that can shoot.”
Caleb Anglin: “To take the next step, the Grizzlies need to stay healthy and add some veteran leadership to the locker room. Go get a guy like Wesley Matthews or a Rondo type.”
How important is a healthy Jaren Jackson Jr. to the team next season?
Jack Williams: “Gigantic. He looked physically there in 2022 but I think the primary issue was that he didn’t have time to settle in. If you look at his numbers in the first few games of any season in his career, he plays poorly. The Grizzlies need a healthy Jaren Jackson Jr. who doesn’t miss any time near the end of the season and can be in a groove come playoff time. This will elevate the Grizzlies’ performance more than fans can imagine.”
Taylor Goebel: “A healthy JJJ can make all the difference, if he had played all year averaging 16+ ppg who knows what seed Memphis would’ve ended up as this year. They already finished 38-34 with JJJ only playing 11 games the entire season. If he can continue to rehab his knee and get back to 100%, then next year should be a whole different outcome.”
Caleb Anglin: “Jaren Jackson Jr is a huge part of this Grizzlies team. Him being able to stay healthy is a question going into the off-season. But he’s a big that can shoot the three at a good rate and that’s what this team needs.”