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2 Grizzlies who could become first time All-Stars in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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For the second consecutive season, the Memphis Grizzlies finished out 2022-23 as the number two seed in the Western Conference standings with a record of 51-31. Unfortunately, however, for the second time in three years, they proved to be a one-and-done participant when it mattered most during the playoffs.

Now, heading into 2023-24, there seems to be a bit of a somber feeling surrounding this club due, in large, to the impending suspension of superstar guard Ja Morant, which will be in effect for the first 25 games of the season.

Despite this unfortunate reality, however, objectively speaking there still are many things to be optimistic about when it comes to the Grizzlies.

Not having Morant in the fold for roughly the first two months of action is inarguably not ideal.

That said, this team has managed to succeed whilst enduring similar hiccups in the past, as they boast a 31-15 record when it comes to the 46 games the 23-year-old has missed over the last two seasons.

A major reason why Memphis has stayed afloat throughout these hardships is because of the stupendous collection of talent head coach Taylor Jenkins has had at his disposal. With the moves Zach Kleiman and company have made this summer, said collection has only improved.

Last season, we saw Jaren Jackson Jr. put forth a career-best campaign and, in turn, was able to nab the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award as well as his first All-Star nod.

Without Ja Morant, the big man will be in line to receive an even greater role within the Grizzlies’ scheme, and, along with him, there could also be several other talents that will be called upon to pick up the slack.

This opportunity could, in theory, result in some other Memphis players seeing a breakout campaign and, similar to what Jackson endured last year, may lead them to their first All-Star game.

Today, we at BSB highlight two players who could find themselves nabbing their first selections to the league’s illustrious mid-season exhibition.

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