The definitive reason why Grizzlies are contenders even without Ja Morant
By Mark Nilon
Though Ja Morant may be the biggest star and, in turn, the primary focal point on this current Memphis Grizzlies team, even with him slated to be sidelined for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 campaign the club as a whole is still highly capable of holding down the moniker of legitimate title contenders.
At least, that’s the mindset Bleacher Report’s Adam Fromal is pushing and, in a recent piece, he pointed out some advanced metrics to support such a claim.
The Grizzlies are still a lethal team without Ja Morant in the lineup
"“…the Grizz were somehow better with him off the floor in 2021-22 (see: 4.9 net rating with and 6.6 net rating without) and overcame his injury- and suspension-related absences last year by playing slightly better than break-even basketball with him in street clothes or riding the pine.“That’s less a condemnation of Morant’s obvious ability and more a confirmation of the depth of talent and impressive system built by the burgeoning Beale Street contenders,” Fromal wrote."
On top of the team’s highly impressive net rating without Morant in the lineup, their success rate over the last two seasons when found in such situations has been quite stellar, as Memphis has accumulated an overall record of 31-15 san their superstar.
Fromal would also continue on to break down how the top-notch depth of the Grizzlies has only become stronger with their offseason moves, namely with the addition of 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart who will be joining forces with the most recent recipient of such a prestigious honor in Jaren Jackson Jr.
"“Now, with Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose entering the picture, Memphis should enjoy more stability at point guard even with the instability that seems to circle Morant these days. The defense could be off-the-charts good when Smart, Steven Adams and Desmond Bane play alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. And the offense won’t be too shabby, either,” Fromal wrote."
Add all this to the fact that the Grizzlies have boasted a plus-7.9 in points per 100 possessions over the last two seasons when using Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane as their go-to options with the star point guard sidelined compared to a plus-7.2 net rating when all three are in the lineup and it’s quite easy to agree with Fromal’s closing stance that they could be “already established as a legitimate contender before Morant logs a single minute” this coming season.
