5 Disturbing early season trends the Grizzlies must fix
By Tyler Watts
4. Depth issues
The Grizzlies hit home runs in the draft by selecting Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, but they were quiet this summer apart from the Smart trade. They let Tyus Jones and Dillon Brooks go with Derrick Rose being the franchise’s marquee signing. Memphis was banking on development from their young talent, but it hasn’t happened.
Ziaire Williams won the starting small forward gig but is averaging 9.1 points and 6.1 rebounds on 40.0 percent shooting from the field in the early going. Jake LaRavia has been virtually unplayable, and the Grizzlies have zero answers at the five. Bismack Biyombo is starting after being signed on Nov. 1.
Their depth is a massive issue moving forward. Even when Ja Morant returns, their second unit becomes Williams, Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose, and Xavier Tillman Sr. if everyone is healthy. Those four players have struggled mightily to begin the year and offer little in terms of efficiency.
The Memphis Grizzlies need to start making calls to trade for some depth. With Ja back, they have a solid starting five. They must get a center upgrade, a backup point guard, and some shooting if they want to become a serious contender. The Grizzlies have draft capital to trade, but will they use it?