3. The Memphis Grizzlies’ offense is surging
The Memphis Grizzlies offense has been awesome to start the 2022-23 campaign.
They are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for sixth in the league in offensive rating, which is remarkable considering they have not had their third option in Jaren Jackson Jr. and their sixth man in Ziaire Williams.
Their shooting from the perimeter has also been an incredible development. They are currently sixth in the league in three point percentage, shooting 38.8% on 33.8 attempts per night.
They currently have 5 players shooting 40% from three or better on the year:
- Jake LaRavia : 55.0% (2.9 attempts)
- Ja Morant : 47.1% (3.8 attempts)
- Desmond Bane : 46.8% (8.8 attempts)
- Dillon Brooks : 44.7% (5.4 attempts)
- John Konchar : 41.2% (3.8 attempts)
This remarkable display of shooting has massively opened up the floor for Ja Morant, and has improved the halfcourt offense tremendously.
4. Memphis Grizzlies need defensive anchor Jaren Jackson Jr to return ASAP
On the other hand, the Grizzlies’ defense has been pretty lackluster. They are tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the 21st defensive rating in the league, totaling in at 113.6.
However, a lot of these defensive problems seem like they will be fixed once they plug in their seven-foot defensive player of the year finalist who led the association in blocks a year ago.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s presence alone will be a huge factor in allowing the Grizzlies defensive to thrive. Once opposing teams see him protecting the rim, they will be less likely to attack it leading to more contested shots on the perimeter. The Grizzlies rank 12th in opposing three point percentage this year, so this formula of simply have Jackson Jr. on the court will increase their defensive production.
On top of this, the Grizzlies are currently 11th-worst in opposing points in the paint allowed per night, as they have given up an average of 50.2. Adding the guy blocked the most shots in the NBA and averaged 2.3 blocks per game last season will definitely help that number get smaller.
Once Jaren Jackson Jr. returns from injury in the next week or two, the Grizzlies’ defense has a real chance of moving to a top 10 defense in the league.