Scoping out 3 potential starting units for the Grizzlies in 2024-2025

Memphis Grizzlies v Sacramento Kings
Memphis Grizzlies v Sacramento Kings / Lachlan Cunningham/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next

The presumed de-facto lineup

While many teams chose to pursue big-ticket names in free agency, the Grizzlies have gone under the radar after having a relatively uneventful offseason, opting instead to hone their current array of players to best prepare for the challenges ahead.

With the addition of Zach Edey, Memphis has a capable starting center to run alongside team staples such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Assuming Edey will be a part of the starting lineup (as expected from a top-10 pick), the projected first five unit for the Grizzlies will look relatively similar to how they began the 2023-2024 season.

Ja Morant will unquestionably start at point guard, with former DPOY Marcus Smart joining him in the starting backcourt to provide defensive versatility and playmaking.

For an obvious starting lineup, the presumed frontcourt will be composed of Desmond Bane playing at small forward, Jaren Jackson Jr. playing at power forward, and Zach Edey anchoring at the center position.

This lineup arguably gives Memphis the best overall versatility -- The team will be able to capitalize on captivating paint presence, as well as high-level shooting and playmaking via the extended backcourt.

This type of lineup will be key in combating top-tier Western Conference teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers who are all notorious for their fierce paint presence offensively.

With that being said, this lineup will likely be counter-planned by other teams who utilize a small-ball lineup to move at a quicker pace to expose Edey's weaknesses, which will inevitably bring out yet another potential lineup.