CBS writer calls Memphis Grizzlies a ‘ragtag group’
By Mark Nilon
The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a 25-game slate to kick off the 2023-24 season without their superstar Ja Morant in tow, as he’ll be sidelined due to a league-issued suspension.
Even with this hardship, some still have profound faith in Taylor Jenkins’ squad, with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne going as far as to predict that they should still be seen as a serious title contender.
However, not all agree with this analysis. In fact, CBS Sports’ Ameer Tyree recently went as far as to state that Memphis’ claim to a Southwest Division title for a third straight season seems unlikely, and deemed the club sans Morant as a mere “ragtag group.”
CBS Sports writer slams Memphis Grizzlies, calls them a ‘ragtag group’
Citing their diminished star power without their centerpiece point guard, coupled with the rising teams around them out west, Tyree seems to be quite low on the Grizzlies’ claim to fame in their respective conference.
"“The Memphis Grizzlies have won the Southwest Division the last two seasons but their reign at the top could be coming to a close in 2023-24. The Western Conference is looking strong and last year’s second seed looks weaker on paper,” Tyree wrote.“The defending champion Denver Nuggets are bringing back their core group, the Sacramento Kings can lean on their All-Star duo after snapping the league’s longest playoff drought, the Phoenix Suns have added Bradley Beal to an already star-studded roster, the Golden State Warriors have acquired an elite playmaker in Chris Paul to complement their unrivaled outside perimeter scoring, and Kyrie Irving has had a full offseason to mesh with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks’ recent acquisitions. Memphis, on the other hand, appears to be in limbo with a ragtag group that hopes to stay above water while Ja Morant serves a 25-game suspension to kick off 2023-24.”"
Despite being the betting favorite to win their third division title, Tyree would note that “the Grizzlies will face an uphill battle,” especially without Morant in tow along with their lacking wing depth.
Of course, what fans should keep in mind is the fact that Memphis boasts a stellar record of 31-15 without the guard in the lineup over the last two seasons and just recently managed to bolster their backcourt talent with the addition of Marcus Smart while also seeing key starting pivot Steven Adams returning to the rotation following an injury-plagued 2022-23 campaign.
Without a doubt, the Grizzlies have some hardships to endure to start the upcoming regular season, but, should they be able to stay afloat as they have in the past, the rest of the league should be worried upon Morant’s return in mid-December.
