Despite the impending 25-game suspension of Ja Morant to kick off the year, many are expecting to see big things from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023-24.
After finishing the last two seasons with the second-best record in the Western Conference standings, the hope now is that the ball club can see this high-end production finally flow right along into the playoffs where, in turn, they can make some serious noise.
However, should their fate be similar to these past few years where only once did they advance beyond the first round, questions could arise about the security of a few individuals currently on this Grizzlies team.
Grizzlies currently on the hot seat heading into the 2023-24 campaign
Though fans should hold out hope that Memphis can finally break beyond the semifinals and advance to round three and beyond, in the event that they once again fall short there could wind up being several alterations made to the organization as a result.
With this in mind, as we inch closer to the regular season, there are a few names, in particular, that could be argued as being on the hot seat.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Coming off a career-best 2022-23 campaign where he earned his first All-Star nod, his second All-Defensive selection, and was anointed as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, seeing Jaren Jackson Jr. being mentioned on this list may be a bit jarring for some.
That said, following his incredibly underwhelming efforts during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, many have seemingly become less enthralled with his game and, in turn, more concerned about his fit as a co-star on this title-hopeful Grizzlies team.
From his lackluster shooting efficiency (shot 28.6 percent from deep) to his surprisingly putrid efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball (averaged 2.7 fouls per game and was tossed from or severely limited in games as a result of his hacking), Jackson Jr. received quite a bit of backlash for his international play.
Should he now go and follow this up by taking part in an underwhelming season for Memphis, regardless of his individual play a large number of fingers will undoubtedly be pointed at the club’s star focal points, with the odds being that less will be cast in Morant’s direction.
Another unceremonious exit from the playoffs could easily wind up sparking the conversation of who aside from Jackson might be a better Robin to the point guard’s Batman.
Fair or not, all eyes will be on the 24-year-old during this coming year.