Memphis Grizzlies praised in latest power rankings

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming into the 2023-24 campaign with rather high expectations.

Following their underwhelming showing during their latest playoff run that saw a first-round bounce at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Zach Kleiman & company went about and shored up some loose ends and addressed weak spots that arguably led to their latest demise.

As a result, many such as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne see the Grizzlies as legitimate threats to dethrone the reigning champion, Denver Nuggets this coming season.

Though Austin McGee of our sister site The Smoking Cuban may have been noncommittal about 2024 NBA Champion predictions, like Shelburne, the seasoned writer does see Memphis as a serious contender, and projects that they will swimmingly come away from the upcoming regular season as Southwest Division champs.

Grizzlies projected to reign supreme in Southwest Division

"“No matter who Memphis trots out on opening night, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins sure finds a way to build chemistry between players. The Grizzlies have arguably the third-best roster in the Southwest Division, but their roster fits like a puzzle. Every piece provides something different and useful,” McGee wrote.“Memphis has athleticism, shooting, defense, and the competitive edge to compete and succeed. If the Grizzlies can stay afloat during Morant’s suspension, they should remain the best in the Southwest.”"

In McGee’s eyes, the way in which the division standings will play out reads as follows:

1. Memphis Grizzlies
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. New Orleans Pelicans
4. Houston Rockets
5. San Antonio Spurs

For the most part, this projection looks to be completely different from last season’s standings, though, as Grizzlies fans may already be aware, one thing has stayed untouched: Grind City remains atop the leaderboard.

Since 2021-22, Memphis has led the charge in the Southwest Division with 56 and 51-win campaigns, respectively.

Heading into the new year, considering their recent string of successes coupled with their roster-bolstering moves this summer, it’s hard to believe that their claim to the number-one spot has suddenly vanished.

The folks at TSC seem to agree.

3 most underrated players on the Grizzlies’ current roster

There are three members of this Memphis Grizzlies team that are heading into the 2023-24 campaign as highly underrated commodities.