With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. having been traded this past calendar year, it's a new look identity in Memphis led by third overall pick, Cam Boozer. Such drastic roster change is never easy to embrace in a short period of time, but the Grizzlies are in the dream spot to shake up the Western Conference much sooner than expected.
The Grizzlies are coming off an injury-riddled 25-57 season, and with a new-look and young core, there is understandably not much enthusiasm about the team this year outside of Memphis. However, that does not mean that the Grizzlies can't make a significant improvement in win total this upcoming season. Let's dive into why the Grizzlies are in such a good spot to shatter expectations.
ESPN predicted the Grizzlies to finish 27-55 this season and finish with the 13th seed in the Western Conference. While the circumstances change every season, it feels like ESPN's insiders are significantly downplaying how much the Grizzlies could end up improving.
The Grizzlies have a group of players capable of a strong impact
Even as a rookie, Cam Boozer has a well-rounded offensive game that should translate right away. Boozer should be a key player in the Rookie of the Year race and could even win the award depending on how much usage the top 4 picks get. Boozer's playmaking and overall offensive versatility should lead to an immediate improvement in the halfcourt offense.
Now one of the biggest questions surrounding the Grizzlies is the health of Zach Edey. Edey appeared in 66 regular season games as a rookie but only appeared in 11 games last season. But on the optimistic side of things, if Edey can reach 65+ games like his rookie season, the Grizzlies just simply shouldn't be a bad team.
That isn't to say that the Grizzlies should automatically be expected to contend with teams such as the Thunder and Spurs, but a healthy Edey should lead the Grizzlies to a sizeable leap on the defensive end. Assuming good health, a Boozer and Edey duo should realistically lead the Grizzlies to at least a Play-In spot and maybe even more.
Plus, let's not forget how strong of a rookie season Cedric Coward had. Coward didn't have the most consistent summer, but his best moments were a strong reminder of his impact that landed him on the All-Rookie First Team.
The Grizzlies have an intriguing mix of young talent and veterans
The Grizzlies have three potential winning pieces in their starting lineup in Cam Boozer, Cedric Coward, and Zach Edey, and it can't be ruled out that we get leaps from guys such as Coward and Edey. Even though the Grizzlies' best talent isn't quite ready to contend with teams such as the Thunder and Spurs, it's a team full of competitive depth that will continue to make good plays.
Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cam Spencer should mesh well with the Grizzlies' overhauled frontcourt, and the Grizzlies still have some promising young wings in Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II. With the additions of Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart, the Grizzlies have an intriguing mix of veterans with playoff experience and young players that are ready for another leap.
Don't be surprised if the Grizzlies end up shattering expectations this year and make a legitimate push at a play-in or playoff spot.
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