Grading every Memphis Grizzlies player’s preseason performance

Memphis Grizzlies preseason player grades:

Ja Morant: A

26.1 MPG, 23.3 PPG (47.8% FG, 23.1% 3PT, 70% FT), 5.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.5 TOV

Despite one tough night where he still managed to put up 23 points, Ja Morant had an incredible preseason. He was as electric as always on the offensive end, but what stood out to me was his increased effort on the defensive end. If he can stay locked in on both sides of the ball this season, then Morant will be in MVP contention for the entirety of the 2022-23 season with a real chance for him to win the award.

Desmond Bane: B+

26.8 MPG, 19.3 PPG (48.3% FG, 24% 3PT, 88.2% FT), 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.0 TOV

Desmond Bane displayed the work he put in during the off-season on scoring from all three areas on the court during this preseason. He shot uncharacteristically inefficient from the three-point line, but a four-game sample size should leave no worry for Grizzlies fans. His dominant 33-point performance against the Magic showed the potential that he has for another breakout year in 2022-23.

Dillon Brooks: D+

25.3 MPG, 10.8 PPG (32.6% FG, 27.3% 3PT, 69.2% FT), 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.3 TOV

There’s no way around the fact that Dillon Brooks had a horrendous preseason. He had one efficient 18-point performance against the Heat’s third-stringers, but besides that, he shot terribly with some atrocious shot selection. I would like to remind everyone that preseason does not count for anything. Hopefully, Brooks is able to turn it around starting on opening night.