Skip Bayless picks Memphis Grizzlies to win 2022 NBA Finals

Just days after Colin Cowherd proclaimed his skepticism of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and his ability to win a championship, our knight-in-shining-armor, Skip Bayless, has come to save the day and cleanse the timeline of such nonsense.

The Fox Sports personality was recording an episode of his recently-launched podcast, “The Skip Bayless Show,” when he made a surprising proclamation about who he thinks is going to win the NBA Finals this season.

Someone wrote in to the show and asked Bayless the following question: If you had to predict an NBA Champion right here, right now, which team are you riding with?

Bayless admitted his original pick before the season was the Brooklyn Nets. But, those odds seem to be on life support in terms of them winning an NBA title this season.

He rattled off reasons why he wouldn’t pick any of the top-tier teams like Phoenix, Golden State, Milwaukee, Miami, Chicago and Philadelphia.

“My right here, right now pick. If you forced me gun-to-head” Bayless said taking a deep breath for dramatic effect. “I’m picking Memphis.”

Skip Bayless picks Memphis Grizzlies to win 2022 NBA Finals

“I’ve loved them for two months. I’ve said it repeatedly on Undisputed,” he said on his podcast.

“Ja Morant has literally skyrocketed into superstardom. He has become a human highlight film à la  Dominique back in the 80’s on a nightly basis.”

“Ja- dropping,” Bayless said for an on-the-nose pun.

The veteran sports talk show host and debater rattled off what he loves about the Grizzlies.

“I love the toughness and presence Steven Adams has brought them. And they are about to get Dillon Brooks back. As you know, he’s a ferocious defender. He’s a tough guy of the highest level. He will bring them even more competitiveness. Even more fight. Even more swagger. This team is legit. This team is coming for the rest of the NBA,” Bayless said almost as a daring declaration of war.

Bayless then went on to talk about the 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick, Zion Williamson. He said he doesn’t think Zion is committed at the same level to the game of basketball that Ja Morant seems to be.

“I’m not sure [Zion Williamson] loves basketball at the highest level and that’s all Ja does. [Morant] worked so hard in the offseason to improve his shooting. And he improved it,” Bayless said.

“He can now launch—they’re set shots, but he can launch— those logo threes à la  Steph and Dame, if necessary to swing momentum,” he said.

Bayless didn’t stop there. He continued to shower Morant and the Grizzlies with praise.

“He’s got guts. He’s got courage. He’s got attack mentality. He’s afraid of nobody. This team is afraid of no other team,” Bayless said firmly.

He ended his declaration by doubling down on his surprising, but welcomed take.

“If I had to pick— and you can say it’s the longest shot, I can imagine. My eye test is telling me I like Memphis better than I like anyone else in what has turned into a fascinating National Basketball Association.”

You can see the entire clip in the tweet below.

Note: Bayless’ episode was filmed before the Grizzlies lost to the Boston Celtics March 3 on TNT.