The Grizzlies were well represented at the Rising Stars Challenge but did not have any All-Stars this past weekend. While there weren't any players on the Grizzlies worthy of All-Star consideration this season, it just adds to what has been a very disappointing season in Memphis.
In what was supposed to be the first year of a retool, the Grizzlies punted on it with the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and are clearly headed for a rebuild. The rest of the year will give plenty of developmental opportunities, but it looks like the losses are only going to increase.
Is Bleacher Report's projection too harsh?
Bleacher Report just did an updated win-loss projection for all 30 teams in the NBA. For the Grizzlies, Bleacher Report gave them a 27-55 projected finish to the year. This is a dramatic difference in wins from their preseason projection, which was 46-36. Even as recently as December 1, the Grizzlies were predicted to finish 38-44.
The Grizzlies are currently 20-33 and stumbled into the All-Star break with a 1-4 road trip. Bleacher Report's projection means that the Grizzlies would win just seven more games and finish 7-22 the rest of the way. While a .241 win percentage the rest of the way is extremely low, it is not impossible given that the Grizzlies have struggled with injuries and have many young pieces post deadline.
However, given how the Grizzlies have competed as of late against tough teams on the road, it should not be impossible to reach 30 wins. If players such as Ja Morant and Zach Edey return late, the team can certainly stack more than the seven wins that Bleacher Report is projecting.
The rest of this season should produce promising developments
It is entirely justified for fans to be checked out given how much the team has struggled after the New Year. Following the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and a potential Ja Morant trade this summer, it is not difficult to understand why there isn't a lot of optimism around the team right now. However, there are plenty of intriguing young talents that are still worth watching.
GG Jackson II has gotten much better since getting back in the NBA rotation this year, and it appears that Jaylen Wells is starting to get on track offensively too. Strong finishes for both players will bode well for the Grizzlies' hopes of accelerating a rebuild. Jahmai Mashack, Javon Small, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, despite being on two-way deals, should feature plenty more the rest of the season.
The acquisitions of Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks, who were acquired in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, can also be potential pieces for the future. While they haven't gotten many opportunities yet, there is a chance that at least one of them will become a meaningful contributor in Memphis for years to come.
Even though Ty Jerome is already 28, he is the perfect veteran to help boost the Grizzlies' halfcourt offense. Jerome's contract is looking like a steal, and he could unlock his game even more once Zach Edey returns.
While players such as Santi Aldama, Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke continue to recover from injuries, there will be no shortage of opportunities for the young talent on the roster. The Grizzlies will likely end up losing a lot of games, but their foundation to build on could be better than many expect.