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Grizzlies ‘point of emphasis’ heading into 2023-24 revealed

By Mark Nilon

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 05: Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins looks on during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 05: Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins looks on during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies are coming into the 2023-24 campaign with lofty expectations that have been bestowed upon them by both mere onlookers as well as simply themselves.

Though they’ve managed to claim the Western Conference’s second seed in each of the last two seasons, all Taylor Jenkins and company really have to show for these finishes is one playoff series win during this span.

As a result, it seems only logical that the ball club should be looking to tweak some parts of their on-court approach for the new season and, following Memphis’ first day of practice held Tuesday, sharpshooter Luke Kennard provided some insight into what the main “point of emphasis” will be in Grind City.

Luke Kennard shares ‘point of emphasis’ for Grizzlies coming into season

"“Defense is going to be huge for us, transition defense, but [coach Jenkins] does want us to shoot more threes and get the ball up,” Kennard said."

Though the Grizzlies managed to finish third in the entire association last season in defensive rating (110.7), it makes perfect sense why they may find themselves putting more of an emphasis on their play on the less glamorous side of the ball this coming year considering they acquired 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to have join this unit already consisting of reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr.

As for Kennard’s talk of the club getting more shots up from beyond the arc, while it does sound enticing and rather exciting, one mustn’t forget that they wrapped up 2022-23 ranked as the eighth-worst long-range shooting team in the association despite hoisting up the 11-most attempts per game at 34.2.

Memphis may have some quality shooters at their disposal in Desmond Bane (career 42.5 percent long-range shooter), Jackson Jr. (35.2 percent), and, of course, Kennard (43.7 percent), but aside from them and perhaps one or two others, there really doesn’t appear to be too many trusty shooters to warrant a significant increase in long-range attempts at this point in time.

Here’s to hoping some of the younger and lesser-used guys such as Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia, and John Konchar have worked on their shooting stroke throughout the summer!

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