Grizzlies' preseason report card: Zach Edey's impact, Ja Morant's return

The Grizzlies' 2024 preseason was interesting from start to finish. The injury news of Jaren Jackson Jr. on the first day of training camp put a wrench in the team's ability to get an accurate view of how the projected starting five will look when he is likely to make his return on opening night.

However, the other core nucleus and young players showed what they can offer when the games matter next week. After finishing the preseason with a 3-2 record, the Grizzlies are poised to start the regular season on a high note.

Preseason Report Card

Ja Morant - B+

The Grizzlies' star missed three of the team's five preseason games after spraining his ankle in the preseason opener. However, he displayed his elite athleticism and court vision in the small sample size the team got from him. It was also a good development that he returned for the preseason finale in the team's dress rehearsal tune-up to be ready for opening night.

Desmond Bane - B+

After beginning his preseason debut shooting 1-8 from three, the Grizzlies' secondary star and sharpshooter shot a combined 8-14 (57%) from three in his final three preseason outings (rested one game). The Grizzlies will need him to carry that shooing into the start of the regular season, especially with the potential loss of Luke Kennard for a couple of games.

Marcus Smart - C+

Marcus Smart's impact in the preseason was marred by his knee injury in the Grizzlies' second game against the Hornets. He didn't show too much offensively throughout but in such a small sample size for a player of his caliber, don't be too concerned about what he will do when the regular season begins.

Zach Edey - A-

The rookie big man got better each game as he became more comfortable and that is all the team can ask from a player that will be counted on for big minutes early in his career. After committing five fouls in his preseason debut, he only committed three fouls the rest of the preseason. He also finished the preseason with five blocks to display his ability to protect the rim on defense.

Offensively, he showcased the post-game that made him a highly touted player in college, and the excitement level for what he can provide in his rookie season is high. The next step for Edey will be learning how to play with Jaren Jackson Jr. next to him in the front court.

Brandon Clarke - B-

The Grizzlies' top reserve off the bench began the preseason with a bang, leading the team in scoring against the Dallas Mavericks but cooled off significantly in the following two games he played. After scoring 17 points against the Mavericks, he combined to score two points with only four rebounds against the Bulls and Pacers as a starter.

Returning to his bench role in the preseason finale against the Miami Heat showed the comfortability that he has displayed throughout his career. The preseason clarified what has always been known, Clarke is at his best as a reserve.

Santi Aldama - B

Santi Aldama was a steady presence starting in place of Jaren Jackson Jr. throughout the entire preseason. He shot 47% (9-19) from three and didn't do too much that made him seem out of place. This is a huge season for Santi as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, so expect him to be locked in from the start.

Team Grade - B

The team's performance was promising, especially their 21-point comeback victory against the Chicago Bulls. The new offensive system is a work in progress and will continue to be as the team develops chemistry with returning rotation guys who missed the entire preseason (Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr., and GG Jackson).

The defense was a mixed bag as the team allowed over 40% shooting from three in four of their five games and 117.2 points per game but missing their defensive staple in Jaren Jackson Jr. has to be accounted for. Also, missing Marcus Smart for two games makes a difference along with the absence of Vince Williams Jr. The Grizzlies' defense isn't of concern as the regular season approaches.