5 Disturbing early season trends the Grizzlies must fix
By Tyler Watts
1. Offense
The Grizzlies are scoring just 106.1 points per 100 possessions so far this season, which ranks 29th in the league. The Timberwolves are 17th in offensive rating at 110.6 and are the lowest team with an above .500 record. Minnesota sports the league’s best defensive rating to make that possible.
Last season, the Heat and Wolves both made the playoffs at 25th and 23rd in offensive rating but were scoring over 112 points per 100 possessions. Scoring was way up, which helped, but Memphis is simply not good enough right now. They cannot qualify for the postseason ranking 29th in offensive rating and scoring just 106 points per 100.
The Grizzlies have all of their own first-round picks over the next seven years plus two swaps they can use to upgrade their roster. They need to explore the market if they plan on making the playoffs and having a shot to make a run. Memphis cannot just rely on Ja Morant to save them. The Grizzlies need help fast.
If the Memphis Grizzlies are 5-20 when Morant returns, they are virtually eliminated from playoff contention already. They need someone who can knock down shots and spark their offense without giving up a key rotation piece. It is their only chance to turn their season around and reverse these disturbing early season trends.
