3 Important lessons learned in the Grizzlies' 2024 preseason

The 2024 preseason probably won't be memorable due to the nature of it being games that don't count. However, the Grizzlies performed well and will enter the season with its core players healthy and ready to play.

There were lessons to be learned from the preseason that can help the team remain focused when the season tips off next week but the inconsistencies with player availability could hinder the team's ability to show consistency at the start. It sounds like a broken record with the Grizzlies but the team should know how to handle the "next man up" mentality better than nearly any other team in the association.

Preseason Lessons Learned

Protect the basketball

Playing at a fast pace offensively is enjoyable for those watching and can be effective in tiring out the opponent on the floor but it has to be played with caution. Turnovers are bound to happen but the rate the Grizzlies turned the basketball over in the preseason isn't conducive over the long haul of the NBA regular season.

Having their best player at the most important position on the court (point guard) figures to help lessen that as the team continues to build chemistry. Valuing possessions will need to be preached at every practice from here on out as the regular season approaches.

Injuries Happen

The Grizzlies can't seem to escape the injury bug but the team doesn't seem deflated by the plethora of injuries the team has had to deal with since training camp started. Having nobody ruled out for the entirety of the regular season helps a good bit with the positivity. Also, expecting the majority of the projected rotation back early in the season helps with team morale.

Injuries are a part of the game and every team deals with it, even the teams that seem relatively healthy by season's end. Managing player injuries and keeping a roster that provides flexibility from the starters to the bench, and to the two-way players will be a key contributing factor to the Grizzlies' success this season.

Bring the intensity every game

The 2021-22 Grizzlies team that surprised the NBA did so by playing harder than their opponents on a game-by-game basis. Off-shooting nights happen and are expected throughout an 82-game schedule but how hard the team plays, no matter who is available, will factor into their fight to the top of the Western Conference standings.

The Grizzlies had a couple of sluggish starts to games in more than half of their preseason slate but were able to compensate because of the opponent's rosters that consisted of mostly playing their non-starter and end-of-bench players. Although the Grizzlies' back half of the rotation proved to be better than their opposition more times than not, they won't be able to operate on that level when everyone is at close to full strength on a nightly basis during the regular season.