2023-24 has been a season that, in large, can be summed up with one simple word for the Memphis Grizzlies: Injuries.
From entering the season with guys like Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams already sidelined due to health-related ailments to core players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart all succumbing to such issues as the campaign progressed, the injury bug has had quite a chomping spree within coach Taylor Jenkins' roster which, in turn, has seen the club roll out several different lineups with a plethora of players involved.
With their latest signing of DeJon Jarreau, who was called up from the Memphis Hustle on a 10-day contract, following his 28 minutes logged against the OKC Thunder Sunday evening, the Grizzlies have now officially tied the league's all-time record for most players used by a team in a single year at 28.
Interestingly enough, they matched their own mark that was set in April of 2016 when they signed former Providence standout Bryce Cotton to a 10-day deal.
Grizzlies tie unsettling record following crushing loss to Thunder
Following the club's 124-93 loss to the Thunder, coach Jenkins was asked about his experience trying to navigate through such an inconsistent campaign from a health perspective. In response, the seasoned headman acknowledged that while it's been a "challenge," at the end of the day, it's still upt to them to try and put their best product on the floor on a nightly basis.
"Every game's a different starting lineup, a different depth [of] who's in it [and] who's out. It's a challenge but these guys they go out an they compete hard. Trying to find chemistry is definitely a challenge but we're putting the work in. Tonight just wasn't our game and we'll be better on Tuesday."Taylor Jenkins
Despite their injury woes, the Grizzlies have still managed to come across several bright spots throughout the season, with their most recent upbeat happening being their March 4 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets that gave Jenkins his 200 career win as head coach.