Some outsiders have been down on the Memphis Grizzlies recently when it comes to gauging how strong the contenders in the Western Conference will be next season. But despite modest predictions for 2025-26 from many national outlets, it really does seem like Memphis is primed to make a strong run largely due to their roster depth.
Grizzlies fans are right to keep thinking back to the 2021-22 season. After all, it was that fantastic 56-26 campaign that saw more success than any other one since Ja Morant arrived in town, and the team has been chasing that level of achievement ever since. It's not crazy to think Memphis could reach that kind of dominance once again next season with the upgraded roster they're now dealing with.
The biggest move this summer was of course the decision to trade Desmond Bane in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Many are going to view that as a step back offensively, but there is a compelling case to be made that the veteran two-way presence of Caldwell-Pope is exactly what this locker room needed.
KCP brings championship experience, high-level defense on the perimeter, and an ability to play off the ball without disrupting Morant’s rhythm. Memphis now has a player who complements their franchise star in ways that can immediately translate to wins.
The Grizzlies are built to win better than before
And from a pure depth standpoint, this may be the strongest unit the Grizzlies have fielded since that 2021-22 dream year. A motivated Ja Morant will lead a starting lineup that will likely include Caldwell-Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey. Assuming health holds up, that's a group primed to deliver on both sides of the ball.
Off the bench, the Grizzlies will feature a group that many rebuilding teams would take as their starters. Scotty Pippen Jr. has shown flashes of true brilliance as a ball-handler, Ty Jerome offers steady shooting and decision-making, and Santi Aldama provides offensive punch on the wing. Brandon Clarke is healthy again, giving the team a reliable lob threat and defensive anchor in second-unit minutes.
And then even beyond the main rotation, guys like GG Jackson, Cedric Coward and Vince Williams will be excellent depth pieces the coaching staff will be able to tinker with implementing in various ways with the rest of this new-look group. The kind of filled-out roster Memphis currently boasts is no joke.
When you look at how stacked this team really is, it becomes obvious why the Grizzlies could dominate in 2025-26. Injuries and inconsistency derailed the last couple of years, but those excuses will not apply this time around. The pieces are in place, and the rest of the West should be on notice.