The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a short preseason schedule, looking to find out what sort of roles can be carved out for the various newcomers brought on during the offseason.
With an entire Summer League already in the books and one complete preseason game, we are starting to get an idea of who should be starting and who should be coming off the bench for the Grizzlies when the season begins Oct. 19 at 6:30 PM CT vs the New York Knicks.
Predicting Memphis Grizzlies depth chart for 2022-23 opening night
Let’s take a look and see which players will be starting, which will be in the rotation and who might be in the reserves category for the upcoming season.
It may make the most sense for Head Coach Taylor Jenkins to start the season off with a “smaller” lineup and allow Ziaire Williams to start the game as he did sporadically last season for 31 games.
You can envision Jenkins going with a starting lineup that he can depend on that features the fewest question marks: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams.
Brandon Clarke has shown he’s best as a spark off the bench, Santi Aldama and the rookie cohort of Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. are unproven. That pretty much leaves Williams and perhaps Xavier Tillman Sr. in consideration for the starting spot at the moment.
But, with a lot preseason action still to be played, a lot can happen. Here’s where things likely stand on the Memphis Grizzlies depth chart right now. I’m predicting Taylor Jenkins goes with a small-ball lineup.
Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard
- Ja Morant – The face of the franchise looks to reach new heights in year four.
- Tyus Jones – Arguably the best backup in the NBA returns for two more seasons.
- Kennedy Chandler – The rookie could see some spot minutes for his tenacious defense or serve as backup for Jones if Morant misses any time due to injury.
Memphis Grizzlies Shooting Guard
- Desmond Bane – Bane is a popular pick to be a first time All-Star this season and arguably the team’s second-best player.
- John Konchar – Jitty, armed with a new contract extension, is one of the best glue guys in the NBA.
- *Danny Green – Currently injured, but could bump up to second unit late in the season.
Memphis Grizzlies Small Forward
- Ziaire Williams – Sliding Dillon Brooks to the four spot will allow Williams to start while JJJ is out recovering from offseason surgery. He’s the best option and most reliable.
- David Roddy – Roddy has shown a ton of promise in Summer League and preseason that he could be a key rotation player for this team right away.
- ^Vince Williams Jr. – Development in Southaven will be key for Williams to find minutes with the main roster.
Memphis Grizzlies Power Forward
- Dillon Brooks – Sliding Brooks over to the four spot is the best option the Grizzlies have right now. He’s dependable, has the experience and can guard anyone one through four.
- Brandon Clarke – Clarke is best served to continue off the bench, a role he’s settled into nicely so far in his career.
- Jake LaRavia – Untile LaRavia can show consistency, Jenkins would be wise to be cautious with his playing time.
- *Jaren Jackson Jr. – Currently injured, but will be the starter once he’s ready.
Memphis Grizzlies Center
- Steven Adams – The team’s starting center through the 2024-25 season, thanks to a nice contract extension signed during training camp.
- Santi Aldama – Is he ready to become a regular contributor for the Grizzlies in 2022-23?
- Xavier Tillman Sr. – No matter what happens, there’s Xavier Tillman waiting in the wings to pick up whatever mess is created by the first or second units.
- ^Kenneth Lofton Jr. – Junior has shown outstanding promise during his short tenure as a Grizzlies player, showing flashes of Zach Randolph in his game. His toughness and aggressive offensive nature could pay dividends with a bench unit. If he continues playing like he has in Summer League and the preseason it’s going to get harder and harder to keep him buried on the depth chart.