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Ranking Grizzlies’ In-Season Tournament opponents from worst to first

By Mark Nilon

Dec 29, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in action during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in action during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. spins toward the basket. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. spins toward the basket. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Utah Jazz (November 10)

After offloading two of their franchise centerpieces in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert during the 2022 offseason, the Utah Jazz surprised the masses by pulling out 37 wins on the year while sending their semi-afterthought summer acquisition (acquired in the Mitchell deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers) Lauri Markkanen to the NBA All-Star Game.

Since their campaign came to an end back on April 9, Danny Ainge and company have focused their attention on building upon the talent pool found on the roster by adding the ninth overall pick from the 2023 NBA Draft, Taylor Hendricks, and, of course, striking a blockbuster trade to land tantalizing tweener big John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks.

By all accounts, the Jazz have bolstered their depth, particularly in the frontcourt, compared to last season. And yet, they should still be viewed as far from legitimate threats to the top-tier Western Conference teams like the Memphis Grizzlies.

Despite this depth, Utah still lacks any semblance of a floor general who can help legitimately table set for this oddly constructed, big-man-oriented roster.

Unless the likes of Colin Sexton or, perhaps more realistically, Kris Dunn (posted 22.3 points, 10.0 assists, and 8.3 rebounds as a starter last season) morph into a legitimate show-running one guard, expect this team to be an even more clunky offensive unit than they were last season which, as a result, should make it rather easy for the Grizzlies to coast to a win.

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