MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: 45.5 WINS – UNDER
Key Additions
- Marcus Smart (trade)
- Derrick Rose (free agency)
Key Subtractions
- Dillon Brooks
- Tyus Jones
- Stephen Adams (injury)
- Brandon Clarke (injury)
- Ja Morant’s gun…hopefully
Rotation
- Guards
- Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose
- Wings
- Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams
- Forwards
- David Roddy, Santi Aldama, John Konchar
- Bigs
- Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman, Kenny Lofton
Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.
The Griz eff’d around and found out. From start to finish, they were an arrogant bunch. From Ja’s declaration that they were “good in the West” to Idiot Dillon Brooks’ attempt at “poking the bear,” the Grizzlies essentially made a fool of themselves. Unfortunate, since they have so much talent on the team and they’re super well coached.
Gone is Dillon Brooks, whose refusal to face the media after a miserable playoff series vs the Lakers that was compounded by his empty trash talking toward Lebron inspired the franchise to publicly announce they weren’t resigning him under any circumstances. Understandably. He was an embarrassment. Lost a lot of respect around the league, except in Houston, who miraculously decided to outbid only themselves and gave him an $80 million bag. As a result, I’m rooting against Houston next year.
But, back to Memphis. Brandon Clarke is likely out for the year recovering from a severe knee injury. Now, the news is Stephen Adams is having surgery on his knee too. That’s the 2nd and 3rd Bigs in their rotation. The West is going to be a slaughterhouse this year. Memphis has the talent & coaching to overcome a lot, and if they make the playoffs, watch out. But they’ll likely take a step back during the regular season.
Last Year – Interesting Stats
- 2nd in NBA in total rebounds, 3rd in steals, 3rd in blocks
- The Griz are 33-17 without Ja Morant in the lineup over the past 2 seasons
- Jaren Jackson won DPOY despite only averaging 6.8 rebounds per game.
Keys to Success
JJJ staying out of foul trouble, the Marcus Smart-Desmond Bane chemistry, Steven Adams’ health
Potential Obstacles
Ja Morant’s friends, JJJ’s rebounding (or lack thereof), Marcus Smart’s shooting, Steven Adams’ health
Hot takes
- Ja is on his best behavior upon his return
- Desmond Bane is an all-star
- Marcus Smart has a miserable shooting year
- Santi Aldama gets votes for 6th Man of the Year
- Memphis makes the playoffs and upsets the favorite in Round 1
STANDINGS PREDICTION: 8TH IN THE WEST
