Last night, the Grizzlies suffered another disappointing defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team has lost five straight games since returning from London. To make matters worse, the Grizzlies blew their 14th double-digit lead of the season, the most in the NBA. Despite missing multiple players at crucial positions, the Grizzlies are at their lowest point of the season.
The Grizzlies previously played quality basketball until Zach Edey was shut down again with a stress reaction in his left ankle. Since Edey was shut down, the Grizzlies have gone 7-15 and have fallen all the way to the 12th seed in the Western Conference. With the Grizzlies' struggles against winning teams all season, it appears that the downslide is far from done.
There is plenty of blame to go around, especially with injuries and coaching; however, the team looks the most disconnected they've been since the ugly loss at home to the Lakers on Halloween night.
The Grizzlies are struggling on both ends of the floor
The Grizzlies are 3-10 this month and have not won since their January 18 win in London against the Orlando Magic. Beyond the wins and losses, the Grizzlies have simply struggled to put together quality basketball for a full 48 minutes. They are currently bottom ten in both offensive and defensive ratings for the month of January.
It is important to note that the Grizzlies have had significant losses to their rotation due to injuries. However, the Grizzlies have still struggled in the second halves of games. The second-half struggles are largely due to the Grizzlies' best players playing fewer minutes than the other team's and an overall lack of late-game execution. Another key factor is the coaching staff failing to get the best out of Jaren Jackson Jr. on offense compared to the first halves of games.
Some of the Grizzlies' problems will be solved by having big man Zach Edey and more available ball handlers. However, the minute distributions and overall lack of late-game execution are concerning signs that could still cost an eventual full-strength Grizzlies team multiple games.
The Grizzlies pivoting should not be out of the equation
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were both selected with top-5 picks and were expected to headline a special era of Grizzlies basketball. However, they have delivered just one playoff series win together, despite the Grizzlies being viewed as one of the most promising teams in the league just a few years ago. Currently in their seventh season together, it is fair to question if the duo has taken the team as far as they can.
While injuries and coaching have been a concern for multiple seasons, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., for various reasons, have not evolved as much as some anticipated. The goal going into this season was to retool around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.; however, the signs do not point to the Grizzlies being able to win a title with them leading the charge.
With the emergence of players such as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey, the Grizzlies are in a strong position to pivot to a new core. While the idea of the Grizzlies being at full strength is intriguing, other Western Conference contenders still have the Grizzlies beat in terms of stars and reliable depth.
While no one is doubting the talent Ja Morant has, it is likely the best option to trade him when his value is at its highest, especially when factoring in his recent run of injuries. Jaren Jackson Jr. can still contribute to winning basketball in Memphis; however, similar to the Desmond Bane trade, the right offer could entice the Grizzlies and create more future flexibility.
The Grizzlies were once the promise of the NBA just a few years ago. Despite unfortunate injury luck, the Grizzlies are heading in the wrong direction as far as coaching and on-court performances. The signs are pointing to this current era of Grizzlies' basketball nearing a painful end.