Analyst’s off-base Memphis Grizzlies prediction is full of holes
Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies shocked the basketball world with a stellar regular season campaign. They finished with the second-most wins (56), trailing only the Phoenix Suns (64).
Led by emerging superstar Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ stellar play carried into the postseason. After taking down the Minnesota Timberwolves in round one, they found themselves squaring off against the Golden State Warriors.
The series was neck-and-neck for Memphis to start, but things took a turn for the worst when Morant suffered a knee injury and never returned. Without their star player, they fell to the eventual champs in six games.
Following their impressive run in 2022, the Grizzlies will be looking to once again be a threat in the Western Conference. However, one analyst is not high on their chances to contend.
In a recent story for Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz separated all title favorites between contenders and pretenders. Because they lost two rotation players in the offseason, the Grizzlies found themselves in the group of pretenders.
"Memphis had its moments in a second-round series against the Golden State Warriors, although it was clear which team had the experience advantage. The Grizzlies just weren’t on the same level as the eventual champions, and it showed.The Grizz also lost De’Anthony Melton via trade and Kyle Anderson to free agency, two key pieces to the team’s bench and perimeter defense last season."
Coming off a career year, replacing the void left by Melton could be challenging for the Grizzlies. However, they still have the depth to be a threat to contend this upcoming season. Guys like John Konchar, Xavier Tillman, and Brandon Clarke will be called upon to take on expanded roles moving forward.
Swartz might not feel the Grizzlies are ready to contend right now, but a case can be made otherwise. Now with a taste of playoff basketball under their belts, this young team will be hungry to turn a corner in 2023.
One thing Memphis has going for them is that they pride themselves on the defensive end of the floor. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. Along with having the sixth-highest defense rating last season (108.9), the Grizzlies led the league in RPG (49.2), SPG (9.8), and BPG (6.5). If they can maintain their defensive identity, they should be able to hang around with anyone.
The key to Memphis becoming a legit contender in the West is Morant continuing to ascend to the level of superstar. In just his third season, He put the league on notice last year with averages of 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 6.7 APG.
As the team’s star player, everything rides on Morant’s shoulders. Maintaining this level of output will be essential when it comes time to go toe-to-toe with the West’s premier talents.
Still being a young team might hurt them at times, but it might be a bit premature to count the Grizzlies out before the season even gets underway.