The Dream starting 5 for the Grizzlies 5 years from now

C: Onyeka Okongwu

Okogwu was the sixth overall pick in 2020 but is stuck behind Clint Capela in Atlanta. The 22-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just 23.1 minutes per game last season. Okongwu is a restricted free agent in the summer of 2024 and will likely be finishing his second contract in the summer of 2028.

Steven Adams will be 35 years old, and the Memphis Grizzlies will want a strong rebound that can take some rim protection duties from Jaren Jackson Jr. If Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and JJJ are in the running to be annual All-Stars, players will want to come to Grind City and join them. The Grizzlies will need a glass eater to win it all, and Okongwu could be looking for a new home.

Okongwu could be the team’s primary roll man and lob target as JJJ spaces the floor. They could interchange on the defensive end of the floor and wreak havoc on the opposition with size and length. This would be a fun pairing that could become elite.

What will the Memphis Grizzlies look like in five years? Are they title contenders? How many pieces of their young core can they retain? It will be fascinating to watch, so please stay tuned.

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