The regular season is officially in the rearview mirror for the Memphis Grizzlies. After a year that surely didn’t go the way that many fans had expected, it’s now time to prepare for a pivotal offseason and all the emotions that are likely to be evoked as the team enters this period of rebuilding.
This is a very talented group with a lot of potential, but a reappearance in the playoffs was put to a screeching halt as the team was decimated with injuries all season long. Perhaps the only silver lining to all these injury problems is the fact that so many other people on the roster got valuable playing time. Two-way players who split time with the Memphis Hustle, additional G-League call-ups, and even players signed to 10-day contracts all had the opportunity to shine.
10-Day Contracts and Two-Way Player Report Card
Overall Grade: B+
During this season of rebuilding, the Grizzlies will need to prioritize their roster depth, and this past year was proof that it can be there. On so many occasions, this Memphis squad had to step up against the best in the west, top teams in the east, division foes, and everything in between. The team’s chemistry was always in flux, given the available lineup was seemingly different all the time.
No matter how talented each player is individually, a team cannot easily build a strong dynamic when there’s no roster consistency. That is part of the reason why Memphis ended this past season with a 25-57 record and finished 13th in the Western Conference.
On the surface, the record might seem easy to dismiss, especially for those outside of the Grizzlies fanbase who may not fully understand the extent of the team’s injuries. Memphis relied on two-way players, G-League call-ups, and athletes signed to 10-day contracts, many of whom continued to compete with energy and effort every night.
That resilience and willingness to embrace larger roles should pay dividends as the roster returns to full strength. With so many players now battle-tested and more comfortable handling heavier minutes, the Grizzlies appear far more prepared than last season’s record would suggest.
This impactful group earned a B+ on the report card, just shy of the A range because there is still room to improve. Many of these players are young and continuously developing their skillsets, while others brought experience from previous NBA rosters or the G-League. No matter their role or experience level, they were able to make a positive difference for Memphis this past season.
Who answered the call?
Here are some of the players who answered the call for the Grizzlies and absolutely deserve a shoutout!
1. Javon Small
2. Jahmai Mashack
3. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
4. Charles Bassey
5. DeJon Jarreau
6. Rayan Rupert
7. Kobe Bufkin
8. Tyler Burton
9. Lawson Lovering
10. Toby Okani
11. Christian Koloko
12. Adama-Alpha Bal
13. Dariq Whitehead
14. Lucas Williamson
Even during one of the toughest seasons the franchise has faced in recent years, this group continued to show perseverance. It may not have translated to a winning record or chance to play in the postseason, but it could very well benefit the Grizzlies long term and contribute to the team’s future success.
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