3 untouchable Memphis Grizzlies not named Ja Morant

Ja Morant may already be the biggest name this Memphis Grizzlies organization has ever seen don their blue and gold threads, but he is by no means the only player currently viewed as a legitimate foundational building block as they look to the future.

Surrounding him on the roster are a slew of quality talents that range from green youths to experienced vets, all of whom have one goal in mind: claiming the franchise’s first-ever championship banner into the rafters at FedExForum.

Of course, of the cast of ballers surrounding the superstar guard, there seems to be a clear grouping of individuals who should be seen as locks to remain in Grind City for the long haul (baring any unforeseen changes, of course).

With this in mind, here are three players outside of Morant that the Grizzlies must consider untouchable:

Players not named Ja Morant the Grizzlies should view as untouchable

3. Marcus Smart

Though he may have only just arrived in Memphis this summer via a multi-team blockbuster involving the Celtics, Marcus Smart seemingly embodies everything this organization stands for: Grit, Grind, and otherworldly passion.

Regarded as the “heart and soul” of Boston basketball throughout his near-decade-long tenure in Beantown, the 29-year-old endeared himself to his former employer’s fanbase with his high-end energy and defensive tenacity on a nightly basis.

Such qualities are already proven to be adored by the Grizzlies’ faithful followers, for guys like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and, perhaps the best comparison in this case, Tony Allen managed to establish themselves as all-time legends as a result of such attributes.

Already, players across the association are viewing Smart’s addition to the team as “scary” for opposing clubs to have to deal with, and Zach Kleiman and company will almost certainly wish to have his services in tow for the foreseeable future.

2. Desmond Bane

Ironically, our second player mentioned on this untouchables list is also a backcourt talent acquired by trade with the Boston Celtics in soon-to-be fourth-year guard, Desmond Bane.

The former TCU standout was selected 30 overall back in the 2020 NBA Draft, only to then be subsequently traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round picks and cash considerations.

Fast forward several seasons later and the, then, low-key exchange has proven to be well worth it for Memphis, as they find themselves with one of the game’s premier backcourt talents who, in 2023-24, will still be earning a mere rookie-scale salary at just $3.8 million.

Come the conclusion of the campaign, however, his recently inked five-year, $207 million max extension will then kick in, and, based on the production he has put forth throughout his tenure in Memphis, even that has a shot at reasonably being considered “chump change,” in a sense.

Despite suffering from a nagging toe injury, last season proved to be Bane’s absolute best as he posted career-high numbers virtually all across the board, boasting averages of 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting a highly efficient 47.9 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from distance.

His trajectory to this point has already thrust him ahead of established All-Stars such as Bradley Beal, Dejounte Murray, and Klay Thompson on HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina’s recent list and, as time moves on, it’s likely that he will be the player youngsters will be looking to surpass on league rankings.

1. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Morant may be the main attraction found on this Memphis Grizzlies team, but he is just one of two stars on the roster along with Jaren Jackson Jr. who, during his time in Grind City, has developed into one of the premier big men the league has to offer.

With every passing season since being selected fourth overall back in the 2018 NBA Draft, JJJ has gradually become a true enforcer on both ends of the floor and has received the high-praise accolades to back up such claims.

2022-23 was easily his best season in the league, as he went on to post sensational averages of 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game (second year in a row leading the league in said category) while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent from deep.

As a result, the 23-year-old would wind up nabbing his first All-Star nod and Defensive Player of the Year award while also adding a second All-Defensive selection to his collection along the way.

Now, with Morant slated to be sidelined for the first 25 games of the upcoming season, Jackson will almost certainly be leaned on heavily considering he’ll be the lone star within the lineup, and, once the guard returns, the duo will once again wreak havoc upon rival clubs, as they have in the past and as they will continue to do for the many years to come.

Ranking recently listed Grizzlies trade targets from worst to first

Three recently listed Memphis Grizzlies trade targets have been ranked from worst to first based off their potential fit on the team.