4 players the Grizzlies must keep developing
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies did not come close to making the playoffs this season. As they enter the beginning stages of another rebuild, many valid questions remain about if Zach Kleiman can build a championship-level team. For now, to shorten the time of the rebuild, player development is essential and remains one of the core reasons Tuomas Iisalo took over as head coach.
Even though it will be essential to get quality veterans as the rebuild goes on, player development goes a long way towards building a sustainable winner. Here are four players the team must keep developing to speed up the rebuild:
1. Cedric Coward
Alongside Zach Edey, Cedric Coward is expected to become one of the key pieces the Grizzlies hope to build around. Given the fact Coward finished 5th in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, it is almost inevitable that he will end up landing on the All-NBA Rookie First Team once it's announced. Coward averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 62 games.
Despite the fact Coward can still improve significantly as an on-ball creator, it is already impressive to see the winning impact he is making already. Coward has also shown legitimate signs of defensive upside and will likely become more consistent on that end as he progresses in his NBA career. It will be exciting to see Coward's game evolve with a healthy offseason and Summer League reps.
2. GG Jackson II
If done right, GG Jackson II can be one of the best development successes the Grizzlies have had the last few seasons. Jackson II reclassified a year early and went 45th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft after an inconsistent offensive season at South Carolina. GG Jackson II had a bounceback third season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 21.4 minutes per game.
Despite playing in three NBA seasons. GG Jackson II is still just 21 years old. He has a team option this summer that will be picked up; however, it would be wise for the Grizzlies to secure his future with an extension this summer. GG Jackson II is still full of upside, and Tuomas Iisalo has more of his potential to tap into, especially on the defensive side.
3. Javon Small
Javon Small is definitely looking like one of the more underrated draft steals of a strong 2025 NBA Draft. Small is currently still on his two-way contract and could start the season on it. However, he has made a strong case for a standard deal. If the Grizzlies can create roster space to fit this year's draft class and Javon Small, it makes perfect sense to give him a standard contract.
Javon Small did not play much early on and even dealt with a turf toe injury. Once given opportunities, Small showed all the signs of potentially becoming a high-end bench shot creator as his career goes on. After All-Star Break, Small averaged 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 21 games. Most impressively, he had great efficiency, shooting 50.8% from the field and 45.7% from three.
Javon Small plays with a great motor on both ends of the floor, and despite size limitations, he can end up being a reliable offensive piece the Grizzlies need.
4. Taylor Hendricks
Taylor Hendricks was arguably the most intriguing player piece coming back to the Grizzlies in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. Hendricks suffered a gruesome injury in his second season and also did not play much in Utah this season before the trade. Once selected 9th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, it is understandable that the Grizzlies saw potential to tap into his upside.
Hendricks appeared in 26 games with the Grizzlies and showed flashes of becoming a quality two-way player. Despite shooting poorly in the March 18 win against Denver, Hendricks made his presence known with 6 steals and 3 blocks and played a huge role in Nikola Jokic having 10 turnovers. As a Grizzly, Hendricks averaged 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 stocks per game.
It is clear the Grizzlies have something with Hendricks, but growth as a free throw shooter and being a more confident finisher at the rim can help him remain in Memphis for an extended time.
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