3 Grizzlies tabbed as keys to get team ‘through first third of the season’

The Memphis Grizzlies are heading toward a true challenge to kick off the 2023-24 season, as they’re slated to be without superstar Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the year as a result of a league-issued suspension.

Luckily for them, they’ve proven capable of weathering such storms in the past, for they boast a record of 31-15 over the last two years sans the point guard in the lineup, though they’ve also had the luxury of replacing Ja with Tyus Jones who had been tied for third on the team in wins over replacement player during this span.

With the former Duke standout now in Washington D.C. as a result of the multi-team deal that brought veteran Marcus Smart to Grind City this summer, Taylor Jenkins will be forced to look toward other options to help make up for their centerpieces’ absence during these coming months.

Without question, the aforementioned newcomer is going to be leaned on heavily to fill this void, but Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes there are two other specific players who will also shoulder some serious pressures to help keep the club afloat.

3 Grizzlies tabbed as major factors in keeping Memphis afloat without Ja Morant

"“That puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of newcomers Marcus Smart and soon-to-be 35-year-old Derrick Rose to get the Grizzlies through the first third of the season. But the real key might be Desmond Bane,” Bailey wrote.“When Morant was off the floor last season, Bane averaged 25.5 points and 5.7 assists per 75 possessions with a 61.8 true shooting percentage.”"

While both Smart and Bane are presumably heading toward taking on significant roles within Jenkins’ on-court scheme, Rose, though some suggest he could play more than expected, will likely take on the role of sideline and locker room leader, which he seemingly has perfected over the last several seasons and was even praised for his mentorship abilities last season by former Knicks teammate, Julius Randle.

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