Examining biggest questions for every Memphis Grizzlies player in 2022-23
The Memphis Grizzlies are winding down their offseason extracurricular activities before things ramp up and everyone reports back to Memphis for training camp in preparation of the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Grizzlies look to be entering training camp with 21 players under contract. It’s important to keep in mind the team can only carry 17 total players on its roster once the season begins— 15 main roster players and 2 on two-way contracts.
It’s been previously reported that rookies Vince Williams Jr. and Kenneth Lofton Jr. have signed two-way deals, so don’t expect any of the camp invites to win over one of those spots.
With that in mind, let’s look at one question for every player on the Memphis Grizzlies roster ahead of training camp for the 2022-23 season.
Steven Adams
Will the team’s starting big man put that sweet new three-point shot to good use and increase his value before heading into negotiations for a contract extension? Adams, and his limited offensive skillset, is set to hit free agency next summer.
Santi Aldama
Can Aldama build on a successful 2022 NBA Summer League showing and compete for a starting spot in Jaren Jackson Jr.’s absence?
Desmond Bane
Teams know Desmond Bane has arrived— will he be able to continue his incredible growth with a bigger focus from defenses next season? He has a chance at an even bigger role with Jackson out.
Dillon Brooks
What sort of Dillon Brooks are the Grizzlies getting after the young veteran had a turbulent playoff run? This is a contract year for the young vet and needs to reinvent himself a little bit on the court— intangibly and offensively.
Kennedy Chandler
What does Kennedy Chandler need to do in training camp and the preseason to steal backup minutes from Tyus Jones?
Brandon Clarke
Can the Grizzlies and the dynamic forward work out a long-term extension before the clock strikes midnight (aka Oct. 17)? If not, he’ll become a restricted free agent next summer, creating a complex situation.
Danny Green
Should the Grizzlies keep or move on from the injured 3x NBA champion? Our Reed Chapman weighs the pros and cons of it here.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Will Jackson have the same issues (excessive fouling, inconsistent scoring) when he returns from his offseason injury?
Tyus Jones
Does he become expendable if Kennedy Chandler “arrives” sooner than expected?
John Konchar
Will Konchar fend off hot-shot upstart rookies for the available playing time created by the departed Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton?
Jake LaRavia
Was Jake LaRavia’s summer league performance a fluke or a sign that he’s a long ways away from being a regular member of the rotation?
Kenneth Lofton Jr.
KLJ gets the same question as LaRavia, but with the opposite connotation. Put another way: can Kenneth Lofton Jr. do during the regular season what we saw from him in Summer League?
Ja Morant
What more is there for Morant to do individually other than aim for NBA MVP? A consistent three-point shot would make him nearly unstoppable.
David Roddy
Could Roddy be the most NBA-ready of all the rookies on the Grizzlies’ 2022-23 roster? Training camp and preseason will be crucial in answer that question.
Killian Tillie
Will Tillie survive final roster cuts? Tillie would appear to be the low man on the totem pole of all the players under contract. If the front office has to cut one player in this list, Tillie will be under consideration.
Xavier Tillman Sr.
Will the Grizzlies dangle Tillman in a trade scenario to satisfy a roster crunch or get veteran help before the regular season begins?
Vince Williams Jr.
Could Vince Williams play meaningful minutes during the season as a three-and-D player? He’ll need to showcase all of his skillset during training camp.
Ziaire Williams
Everyone is banking on Williams to make a Bane-like leap in year two of his NBA career, will he be able to deliver or will he need more seasoning?