Earlier today, Zach Kleiman addressed the media following a busy trade season for the Grizzlies. Given how promising the Grizzlies looked by the end of the 2022 season, they have underachieved since. It is well established that the Grizzlies will be rebuilding again. However, with fans still looking for more answers, there are still valid reasons to be worried following Kleiman's media availability.
Kleiman used the term "organizational direction" as part of the motivation for this year's deadline moves. Despite the injuries that have occurred this season, Kleiman and the Grizzlies front office felt the path to building a contender started with moves such as the Jackson Jr. trade. However, other answers raise concerns about how the rebuild will go.
This omission from Kleiman deserves much more attention
Following the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, the Grizzlies have a significant war chest of picks. While the Grizzlies increased their future flexibility with this deadline, one advantage going into their rebuild is they already have promising young talent on the roster. Kleiman mentioned multiple names that fit the Grizzlies' future, such as newly acquired Walter Clayton Jr.
Kleiman mentions Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and Walter Clayton Jr. as some young players for the future.
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) February 6, 2026
He said he’s not going to “sit here and crown any of them,” but those players are some who could factor in the new direction.
GG Jackson II was oddly left out of the list of Grizzlies' young players for the future that Kleiman mentioned at the press conference. Jackson II has had a very strong run of games and is still younger than all the players Kleiman mentioned. With Jackson II being just 21 years old, Kleiman would be very smart to make him a priority, given that he has a club option for next year.
The other players named have a high likelihood of making a winning impact on the Grizzlies long-term, but Jackson II's recent resurgence paired with his age make him the guy with arguably the most upside on the Grizzlies. Jackson II's long-term future with the Grizzlies becomes absolutely worth monitoring going forward.
Kleiman's answer about veteran players deserves scrutiny
Between the front office, players, and coaching, no one is blameless for the Grizzlies' recent skid. However, a major mistake of Kleiman's tenure was not properly supplementing the roster around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with enough veterans. Had the Grizzlies not doubled down on youth, it would have been possible for them to have an NBA Finals appearance since the 2021-22 season.
Kleiman: "I think it's really important to have good veterans around this group. Kyle (Anderson) certainly does check that box."
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) February 6, 2026
Kleiman is 100% right about the Grizzlies needing good veterans around their young budding core of players. However, Kleiman's answer is a lesson that was learned too late with the last few Grizzlies teams. Kleiman must prioritize acquiring more proven veterans around any future and current young talent in Memphis.
Kleiman's press conference was at least positive in the sense that any rebuild efforts should quickly yield a playoff team. However, the concern lies with prioritizing the right young players. Another defining area for Kleiman's remaining time in Memphis is if he can successfully bring the right veterans. Now is a crucial moment for Kleiman to turn a previously regular playoff team into a championship hopeful.