Memphis Grizzlies: 4 rival teams to keep an eye on in 2021-22

The Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies are on two parallel tracks— which team will emerge as the long-term victor?

The New Orleans Pelicans selected their franchise cornerstone in Zion Williamson with the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Williamson has quickly emerged as one the best scorers in the NBA, averaging 27 ppg last season — making him the 8th highest leading scorer in the NBA.

Not only does New Orleans’ close proximity to Memphis make it a natural rival, the offseason trade involving former Grizzlies big man Jonas Valanciunas will make things a little more bitter between fans.

New Orleans will be a tough matchup for any team in the NBA as long as Zion is healthy, he has supporting help from Brandon Ingram and can find teammates that will consistently knock down three-point shots.

The expectations are high in Nola right now and there are already rumblings that Zion Williamson and/or his family is not happy with the current direction of the Pelicans. He could look to move on to a better situation sooner rather than later.

The Memphis Grizzlies will take on their Southwest Division cohorts four times next season on the following dates: Nov. 13, Feb. 15, March 8, and April 9.