Grizzlies urged to partake in 'selective selling'

Boasting the fourth-worst record in the entire league at 5-14, 2023-24 is shaping up to be a rough run for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Though things were initially expected to be rather challenging considering superstar Ja Morant has been serving out a 25-game suspension and primary big Steven Adams has been ruled out for the year with a knee ailment, through a month and change of play it's evident that Taylor Jenkins' squad is far from the title-hopeful team some predicted they'd be come year's end.

With this lackluster start, some have already voiced their fears that Memphis is "cooked" and that they should consider retooling for the future rather than focusing on the now.

However, the folks at Bleacher Report still seem to have faith that the Grizzlies could turn things around this season, and, should the front office consider making any moves, writer Zach Buckley has gone on record to urge them to avoid a fire sale and that they should even consider making a "big" trade for roster-bolstering talents.

Grizzlies urged to avoid tanking, but could partake in 'selective selling'

"This team can't shoot from any level, meaning manufacturing spacing could be a challenge even once Morant returns.

This could be a candidate, then, for some selective selling during trade season. Rival clubs are "keeping an eye on" sharpshooter Luke Kennard, per Scotto, who also labeled John Konchar "a candidate to be dealt."

Minor moves are fine, but if Memphis makes a big move between now and the deadline, it should be adding talent—not subtracting it."

- Zach Buckley on Grizzlies

Even with their lackluster start to the campaign, the Grizzlies have put forth some impressive showings from time to time, be it in an individual or overall team fashion, and just recently notched their first win streak on the season to kick off the month of December.

While it may be hard for some to see, things are slowly looking up for this group, especially with Morant soon slated to make his return, and hope is by no means lost within this locker room.

Though Buckley noted in his piece that the "road to recovery is long," their core of Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has clinched the second-seed in the Western Conference standings during the past two seasons and have embarked on playoff runs in three of their last four.

Giving up on their proven abilities to succeed due to a poor early December record would be an appalling decision.