Coming off a record-breaking season for most players to play (33) in a game and the most starting lineups (50) to be used since it became a tracked stat in the 1970-71 NBA season, the Grizzlies were hopeful that the plethora of injuries was behind them. However, with the loss of the emerging GG Jackson until late November/early December due to a broken foot, the Grizzlies already have to employ the next-man-up mentality before opening tipoff.
To add insult to injury, another emerging young wing member, Vince Williams Jr., is doubtful about being ready to play for the Grizzlies opening night tipoff against the Utah Jazz on October 23rd with a shin injury. That means the Grizzlies must replace two bench spots to begin the season.
When last season ended, the Grizzlies already knew (despite various trade rumors of Marcus Smart) that when healthy, four of the five starters were set with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. They prioritized drafting their starting center with the ninth overall selection of Zach Edey to complete the starting unit this past summer.
As for the bench unit, the emergence of GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. figured to get some minutes, if not compete with Marcus Smart to potentially enter the starting lineup. The big man rotation is set with Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke providing minutes in place of Jackson Jr. and Edey. Also, the team re-signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard to complete the 10-man rotation that coach Taylor Jenkins typically uses.
Now, two players will be out (GG longer than Vince), and the team needs to figure out who will replace their rotation spots in the interim. The simultaneous emergence of third-year forward Jake LaRavia showed that he might have been in contention to challenge for some minutes before the recent injuries. So, it is safe to assume that Jake LaRavia figures to enter the rotation in place of GG Jackson.
As for the final 10-man rotation spot? Seeing as the Grizzlies don't have a trusted ball handler off the bench on the main roster, two-way PG Scotty Pippen Jr. figures to challenge to become the backup point guard and round out the 10-man rotation to begin the season.
Other wing players, John Konchar and rookie second-round pick Jaylen Wells will look to challenge for a chance to crack the rotation on opening night. However, with their skillsets already being offset by current rotation members, the lack of a true backup point guard will probably trump their utilization as long as Pippen Jr. continues to display his growth since joining the team.
Prediction
Furthermore, with two open roster spots, this is the opportunity for Pippen Jr. to challenge for both a rotation spot and a full-time roster spot on the Memphis Grizzlies. That said, expect the opening night bench lineup to be Scotty Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Santi Aldama, and Brandon Clarke.