Memphis Grizzlies slighted in latest NBA power rankings

Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the NBA’s biggest surprise stories. Led by a breakout season from Ja Morant, the rag-tag group of young players shocked the league by amassing 56 wins in the regular season.

As the 2022-23 season gets ready to begin, Memphis is among the many teams vying for a top spot in the Western Conference standings. Despite how well they performed last year, some analysts still feel there is a handful of teams ahead of them.

Before the first games get underway, Bleacher Report decided to drop its first power rankings of the season. The Grizzlies just squeaked into the top ten, coming in at the eighth spot. Among the teams in their conference ahead of them include the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, and Phoenix Suns.

"Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton were important role players for the 56-win Memphis Grizzlies last season. Losing them and not having the injured Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot surgery) for the start of the 2022-23 campaign could hurt, but Memphis’ front office and developmental staff has a higher hit rate than most.If the Grizzlies can get David Roddy and Jake LaRavia to rotation-level, they should be one of the best teams in the league again."

Should the Memphis Grizzlies have been ranked higher in the power rankings

While there is no denying the losses of De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson will be a hit to the Grizzlies, a case can be made that they should be ranked higher in BR’s rankings. They showed a glimpse of their potential last season and brought back a majority of their core.

Another reason the Grizzlies should be ranked higher is some of the questionable teams in front of them. The Clippers and Nuggets have talented rosters but are just getting healthy for the first time in nearly two years. There is no telling how Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Kawhi Leonard will look, making them tough teams to gauge.

Looking at the Suns, there is no telling how they will perform this year after all the turmoil they went through this season. Between the dark cloud of the Robert Sarver investigation and multiple players on the roster being unhappy, Phoenix is a team that could have a steep drop-off this season.

With their core trending in the right direction and getting more experience under the belt, Memphis is a team that should only rise in power rankings as the regular season unfolds.