For the first time in four seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies have enjoyed the NBA Playoffs from the comfort of their own abodes, as they capped off 2023-24 with a record of 27-55 and, thus, didn't end up qualifying for a top-eight seed in the Western Conference standings.
Considering they came across consecutive Southwest Division titles and a semifinal appearance over the previous two campaigns, this lack of success and early-May inactivity is rather unfamiliar.
And while fans of the franchise may still be bewildered by how Memphis' campaign ultimately played out, for star big man Jaren Jackson Jr., he's still admittedly fuming over not qualifying for the postseason, as he opened up about his emotions on the matter during an appearance on TNT's Inside the NBA Wednesday night.
Jaren Jackson Jr. dishes on 'anger' over Grizzlies missing playoffs
"I'm working on my conflict resolution, my anger. Putting it to good use. Being done this early ain't... It won't happen no more."Jaren Jackson Jr.
No days off for @jarenjacksonjr 💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/XzNuInufKH
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 9, 2024
Despite putting forth one of the better statistical seasons of his career, as he finished off with impressive averages of 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, the All-Star hinted that he's still looking to hone his craft this offseason and that even he has made some significant improvements in his game him and his teammates are already in the lab working.
"Most of us really didn't take time off. When we stopped playing in the season we were working out every day. We were still playing three-on-three, two-on-two. I haven't taken any real time [off]. It's kind of hard because you're still in that mode. I was still in shape so I didn't really want to lose that."Jaren Jackson Jr.
Though there were a few different factors that played into this lackluster season for the Grizzlies, ultimately, injuries proved to have the biggest influence on their lack of success, as coach Taylor Jenkins ended up using a record-setting number of players within his rotation throughout the year which, in turn, made it hard for the ball club to establish and take advantage of any chemistry.
When fully healthy and with guys like Jackson, Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant leading the charge, Memphis has proven themselves to be a perennial playoff team as well as a legitimate threat to vie for the league's Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Based on the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year's comments, it appears the Grizzlies are already getting an early start on putting in the work necessary to get back to this type of status.
2024-25 can't come soon enough!