3 Players from recently eliminated playoff teams Grizzlies could pursue this summer
By Mark Nilon
![Dec 28, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins during the second Dec 28, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins during the second](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_8353,h_4698,x_0,y_305/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/227/01hx7y610t1yck0avf9h.jpg)
The Memphis Grizzlies endured one of their more challenging seasons in recent memory during the 2023-24 campaign, but brighter days are certainly ahead.
With health (hopefully) back on their side heading into next year, it shouldn't be seen as a polarizing statement to say that this club should once again be viewed as a legitimate playoff team and, truthfully, a realistic title contender as soon as 2024-25.
On top of getting their stars like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all back into the fold, what bodes well for this team's chances of once again playing like a highly competitive bunch is that they also have a full offseason ahead of them where they can make proper adjustments and player additions to strengthen coach Taylor Jenkins' talent pool moving forward.
Recently eliminated players Grizzlies should monitor this summer
Though much attention has been drawn to the topic of what the front office may opt to do with their upcoming lottery pick, in some ways there's just as much value in adding players with experience within the association, for Memphis is a team looking to win-now and already proven commodities are generally more coveted for teams in such situations.
This summer will be a time where the Grizzlies must look to strengthen their collection of talent, and there are a few specific names who recently saw their seasons come to an end in round one of the playoffs that the franchise should strongly consider pursuing.
3. Kevin Love
As was proven by their offseason decision-making from last summer with the acquisitions of both Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, the Grizzlies want to get veteran leaders within their locker room to help compliment their younger and, on some occasions, less mature core foundation.
Should this still be a desire of theirs, perhaps on top of this they may also be interested in adding someone who not only can provide much-needed intangibles like three-point shooting and rebounding (categories Memphis ranked 29 and 24 in this season, respectively) but who knows what it takes to win an NBA Championship.
A player like Kevin Love would check all of these boxes.
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— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 14, 2024
Though far from his perennial All-Star self, the veteran is still a rather productive role player who, in year 16, went on to post averages of 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 34.4 percent from deep on 4.4 attempts per game.
Heading into the offseason, it is seemingly the hope of many fans that the Grizzlies will look to add on a more traditional center to their rotation (more on that later) and, in turn, slide Jaren Jackson Jr. back to the four.
However, even Zach Kleiman has gone on record stating that this team may be "best positioned if Jaren is playing the five," which suggests the ball club could be open to keeping trip at center and, instead, look to find more serviceable heads to log minutes at power forward alongside him.
On a veteran's minimum deal, from both an experience and skills perspective, there likely won't be many better options than Love out there on the open market.