The Memphis Grizzlies have played three of their five preseason games so far. With multiple key players missing and plenty of new faces on the roster, the Grizzlies are understandably 0-3 to start the preseason. There have been multiple quarters where the Grizzlies were significantly outmatched, but there are positive signs from the first three games.
The Grizzlies have not had Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the preseason due to injury. The current expectation is that Morant will be ready for the season opener against the Pelicans on October 22nd. Jaren Jackson Jr. still has a chance to play the opener, but regardless, he should return early in the season. The Grizzlies are also missing Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, leaving their frontcourt depth very thin to begin the year.
The current roster fits Morant and Jackson Jr. very well
Despite multiple key absences, the first three preseason games have still been valuable for the Grizzlies. New acquisitions Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ty Jerome already look comfortable offensively. Jerome and Caldwell-Pope should provide a significant shooting boost to a Grizzlies team that was just outside the top ten in three-point shooting last season.
The Grizzlies should also be encouraged by the performances of Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward. Jaylen Wells has not skipped a beat defensively, but most importantly, he has shown a more well-rounded offensive game going into his second season. Jaylen Wells is known for his perimeter shooting, but he is getting to the free-throw line at a high rate and looks more capable as a playmaker.
Rookie Cedric Coward is showing why the Grizzlies were willing to select him in the lottery. The highlight of Coward's preseason so far has been the 4th-quarter takeover against the Hawks. Coward scored 13 4th-quarter points and nearly led the Grizzlies to their first preseason victory. Similar to Wells, Coward has been effective at getting to the free-throw line. If Coward can make threes and continue being a tenacious rebounder, he should earn more minutes throughout the season.
Despite early positives, the Grizzlies' frontcourt to start the season will be an issue. Players such as Jock Landale and PJ Hall should be capable backups to Zach Edey later in the season, but will likely struggle in expanded roles. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be a significant boost on defense upon his return, but the rebounding could be a key area of weakness until late November.
So far, the Grizzlies should see improvements in three-point shooting, and they should be better equipped to guard the perimeter. The current roster should play even better once Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. return. Even with the Grizzlies being in the first season of a significant retool, they could be a surprise team in the Western Conference this year.