To say the 2023-24 season for the Memphis Grizzlies was a disappointment would be a major understatement. No one thought that after a big 2022-23 season this team would be one of the worst units in the league.
However, the team's performance throughout this year's campaign, which was severely plagued by injuries, poor rebounding, and bad defense, revealed some significant weaknesses that must be addressed in the upcoming offseason.
Injuries are a part of the game, and the Grizzlies' injury saga was a true test of their resilience.
Morant's injury was just the tip of the iceberg.
Before the team could even start playing meaningful games, they were hit with a series of setbacks. Steven Adams was out for the year, Brandon Clarke was rehabbing an injury, and Desmond Bane and several other role players had to deal with injuries. Yet, they never gave up, despite what their overall record read.
While the season was certainly a disaster, the silver lining is that, apart from the Morant situation, many of these unfortunate circumstances were beyond their control.
The offseason, however, presents a different story.
The Grizzlies have the power to shape their future with some crucial decisions ahead. These decisions could potentially turn the tide in their favor, leading to a stronger and more competitive team.
Grind City has a chance to make things happen this summer, but realistic expectations must be established.
1) Grizzlies can grab the perfect role player in the 2024 NBA Draft
The 2024 NBA Draft is not a great one compared to classes that have come before, with some tabbing it as one of the worst ones in recent memory. But this draft is perfect for you if you need some role players on your team.
Despite finishing off the season with a 27-55 record last season, when fully healthy the Grizzlies don't seem to have all that many needs. However, one thing they could use for is help with the glass.
Fans shouldn't be surprised to see them get a big man who is a great role player in this draft. They have plucked up great role players in the last few years via the draft and, with their current standing at ninth overall on the big board, they could find themselves in contention for several interesting young prospects.
While it doesn't always go that way, the Grizzlies are in good shape to get a good player.
2) Grizzlies could pick up team option on Luke Kennard
The sharpshooter will likely get his fourth-year option picked up, as his ability to hit from deep is too crucial for any team. He makes the offense flow well and takes the pressure off of the paint.
His team option is at nearly $15 million, and while they do have a tight money situation, the Grizzlies traded for Kennard for a reason.
When Morant is back, Kennard can be a player Memphis can desperately depend on. When Morant attacks the paint and the shot isn't there, he will have another more reliable guy surrounding him to knock shots down on the outside.
Of course, picking up his option will come with more than the price on his tag, suggesting the Grizzlies will have to deal away with some other players to make the finances work.
3) Grizzlies could shop a couple of role players
Suppose they do decide to pick up that team option on Kennard. In that case, the Grizzlies will either have to pay the tax penalty or trade someone like, say, Ziaire Williams to a team that can absorb his entire $6.1 million salary, which makes a ton of sense considering how much smaller his role is now compared to what it used to be.
Williams is a player still possessing upside what with his age (22), build (6-foot-9 with a near 7-foot wingspan), and overall skill set, and the Grizzlies may be able to get something good in return for his services.
Or maybe not, depending on the market.
If not, John Konchar, a fan favorite in Memphis, would be another player the Grizzlies could consider shopping, as he also sits at $6.1 million, according to Spotrac.
There are other options, but it's obvious these players will not have as big of an impact as Kennard would. In all likelihood, it's one or the other happening.
But all of these things are realistic for the Grizzlies in the 2024 offseason. They will come ready to improve their roster and try to bounce back next season.