Three consecutive losses and six losses in their last seven games have the Grizzlies scratching the surface of falling into the play-in tournament. Once considered a near-lock to make the playoffs with a brief hold onto the number two seed at the All-Star break, the Grizzlies risk falling to the number six seed when they face the Golden State Warriors tonight.
Frustrations were sure to set in with a team that entered the season with championship aspirations. Those frustrations spilled onto the team's huddle last week when Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama had a mild altercation during their game against the Utah Jazz.
After winning that game and playing the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder close for three quarters, the bottom fell out leading to a 21-point defeat and the subsequent firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins the next day.
Now, losers of their last two games since the firing of their long-time head coach of six seasons, their All-Star forward imparted the wisdom of how things could be worse.
"It could always be worse, we could be homeless" - Jaren Jackson Jr.
Following the Grizzlies' double-digit loss to the Boston Celtics, the star forward was asked about the mood in their locker room amid their struggles. While Jackson Jr. has received backlash from some in the fanbase for his comments, it does raise a good point.
Sports is a space for fans to get away from the daily grind of everyday life, and the interactions can sometimes become toxic, especially on social media. The reality is the players are people too, and playing basketball is their job, albeit a high-paying one.
This means they have feelings too, and the frustrations that not only come with failing expectations but from having to deal with the media after a long game impacts them. While his statement isn't one that a fan would want to hear at that particular time, it shows that he sees the bigger picture and knows they live to fight another day.
The sky seems to be falling on ththe Memphis Grizzlies at the current moment, but they have another big game tonight that can help salvage their struggles. Defeating the Golden State Warriors gives the Grizzlies a chance to keep their standing in the top five of the standings.
Also, the worse the Grizzlies can finish at this point during the season is eighth, and they are relatively healthy. Their big three of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane has experienced great success during their time together.
They are all healthy and starting together for their final stretch run and while things look bleak right now, they present the Grizzlies' best opportunity to turn it around. The season is far from over, so don't expect the Grizzlies to fall yet, as there is still time to turn it around with their core in place for the rest of this season.