As NBA media day and training camp near for the Memphis Grizzlies, fans start to project the team's lineups for the regular season. For the last four seasons, the team has consistently had Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane entrenched as the starters and core of the team.
That will look different this season after Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round draft picks. They waived Cole Anthony and used two of those acquired first-round picks to trade up to draft Cedric Coward in the 2025 NBA draft.
With Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey entering their second NBA season after starting for the majority of the rookie season, the Grizzlies only have one opening for a starter. The initial assumption is that Caldwell-Pop will occupy that spot as he has been a starter for two separate championship teams in the last six seasons. With the projected starters in place, who will round out the bench rotation?
The 6th Man of the Year Candidates
The Grizzlies have arguably three players who could make a case to be in the running for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. Ty Jerome signed with the team this offseason after finishing third in the Sixth Man of the Year race last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will be expected to expand his role with the Grizzlies to replace the shooting left by departed guards Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard.
Santi Aldama re-signed with the team this offseason after being a Sixth Man of the Year candidate throughout last season. He led the team in scoring off the bench last season, so he will be competing with Jerome for the best bench player this season.
Scotty Pippen Jr. emerged as the Grizzlies' top guard option off the bench last season and figures to have an expanded role this season. He represents the Grizzlies' best two-way player off the bench, who will likely play a lot of minutes with Ty Jerome off the bench.
Who rounds out the bench?
Brandon Clarke has been a staple in the Grizzlies' playing rotation since he was drafted in the first round in the 2019 NBA Draft, so expect him to be the top backup big man off the bench. His defense helps offset Santi Aldama's defensive deficiencies in the front court. That leaves the backup wing position between third-year forward GG Jackson and rookie Cedric Coward.
Coward didn't play in the summer league and hasn't played in a basketball game since November last season. Due to his learning curve in the NBA and getting back into basketball shape, GG Jackson is likely the frontrunner to gain those minutes, especially after the praise he's received from head coach Tuomas Iisalo this offseason.
The Grizzlies have depth at the end of the bench in Jock Landale, Vince Williams Jr., and Cam Spencer, who could be available to play based on certain matchups to round out their playing rotation.