All signs point to the Grizzlies' starting point guard, Ja Morant, returning to the lineup in their next game on December 12th against the Utah Jazz. His 10-game absence resulted in the Grizzlies playing without a true point guard, as backups Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. were already out and don't anticipate a return from their injuries until at least January.
Despite the injuries at the lead guard position, which also included two-way rookie point guard Javon Small being out as well, the team managed to win seven of its last 10 games. As impressive as that is, it is likely not sustainable if Morant goes down again, especially considering his injury history and at least another month without Jerome and Pippen Jr. being available.
Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer have served as the primary ball handlers with promising results, but adding an experienced veteran point guard should be on the table with Chris Paul's availability.
Adding Chris Paul would benefit Memphis
The Grizzlies could use more veterans, as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the only player on their roster who is over 30 years old. Jock Landale has been a surprising leader for the team as the second-oldest player at 30 years old. Chris Paul would immediately demand the attention of the Grizzlies' stars, and while he can be brash at times, it is probably what they need.
The Los Angeles Clippers are parting ways with the 40-year-old point guard, but they are seeking to find a trade suitor instead of releasing him. That benefits a Grizzlies team that has a full roster, and the expectation is that it wouldn't take much to make that trade happen.
The Grizzlies' uncertainty at the point guard position would immediately be answered with the steady Chris Paul. Also, considering he only played 14.3 minutes per game before his split with the Clippers, the Grizzlies can revert him to a veteran bench role if and when they get their primary rotation of point guards all healthy at the same time.
There is concern with his presence and age that is obvious, but if the Grizzlies truly want to take the next step towards Western Conference contention, Paul is a good mentor for that process. The Grizzlies are clicking on all cylinders right now, but their 1-13 record against teams with a .500 record or better still looms. Those are the type of games when Chris Paul's veteran leadership can take them over the top.