It’s no secret that the Memphis Grizzlies organization is a hotbed for NBA talent under the age of 25. Look at the team’s two primary stars — Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson, Jr. form one of the best young duos in the league.
As a result, the Grizz were well represented on Bleacher Report’s Top-25 under 25, published by Grant Hughes. The list ranks the top-25 players in the league under the age of 25 (shocking, I know) and features two Memphis Grizzlies.
Bleacher Report’s top-25 under 25 has some questionable choices, even outside of the Memphis Grizzlies
Right off of the bat, however, you see some early issues with this list. For starters, Collin Sexton is at the last-place spot on the list. He is Hughes’ 25th ranked player and sits below names like Miles Bridges and Tyrese Haliburton. I mean no disrespect to either of those guys, but why do you have a star player and 24-point-per-game scorer below two players who weren’t even consistent starters on their own teams?
The oddities of this list continue, as Hughes lists OG Anunoby at the 13th spot, above notable stars like Jamal Murray, De’Andre Ayton, and John Collins. That’s a 24-year old with a single solid season under his belt over three proven franchise cornerstone players. Again, I mean no disrespect to OG Anunoby, but what are the criteria for this list?
Thankfully, his choices revolving around the Memphis Grizzlies make a bit more sense. You could make the argument that either player could receive a bump, but nobody will contest their placement. Without further ado, here’s where B/R ranked Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant in their top-25 under 25.