Riding on the steam of their second-round playoff run, Grizzlies fans should have a lot to look forward to this season.
by: Riley Staton (@threewindrileys on Instagram)
photo by: Joe Murphy/ NBA Press -> Getty Images
If you pull most Grizzlies fans aside and ask how the 2021-22 season treated them, the odds are that they're gonna say it was better than expected at the LEAST. Despite major injuries to the core (headlined by star guard Ja Morant missing a good chunk of the first half due to a bone bruise in his right knee), the team was able to finish with an impressive 56-26 record before being bounced in the conference semis by Golden State (more on that later). Despite the disappointing playoff exit, there were so many bright spots on the team. The impressive team defense, the emergence of Desmond Bane, and the potential put on display by rookie Ziaire Williams were only a few of said spots, and that's not even mentioning the amazing play by Ja himself, when he was healthy of course. General Manager Zach Kleiman and the rest of the front office only improved on that success in the off-season. Let's take a look at some changes the team's made in the past few months.
The Draft
The Grizzlies were quite active in the draft, moving picks left and right. Here's a breakdown on that:
Gains:
-Jake LaRavia
-David Roddy
-Kennedy Chandler
-Vince Williams
-Kenny Lofton (UDFA)
Losses:
-De'Anthony Melton
LaRavia projects to be a solid 3-and-D wing; he doesn't have NBA superstar upside or anything, but a safe choice who should help the team immediately. David Roddy is the same too -- a big body who can come off the bench and provide some good hustle minutes when he's needed. Kennedy Chandler is a defensive liability at the 1-spot, but if his offense can improve he could become a steady rotation guard for the team as well. Vince Williams is another solid 3-and-D guy, and great value for a mid-to-late second round pick.
Lofton is the most intriguing pickup in my eyes. An undrafted free agent, many Grizzlies fans got excited when it came out that Memphis execs showed interest in him. However, he went undrafted by all thirty teams, and was scooped up almost immediately after the draft. He's an absolute force in the paint, but it remains to be seen if that will translate to the big leagues. If it doesn't, no sweat; it was just a small experiment that the team didn't have to spend anything on. If it DOES pan out, then that's huge.
Free Agency
Gains:
-Tyus Jones (re-signed)
Losses:
-Kyle Anderson (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The team was less active in free agency, but there's a few things to take note of. Tyus Jones re-signed on a good clip for two years (15/per). Kyle Anderson left, however, taking his talents to the Land of a Thousand Lakes. It remains to be seen who's going to replace his minutes at the backup 4-spot, with guys like the aforementioned Jake LaRavia, Vince Williams, Santi Aldama, and Kenny Lofton all looking to crack the rotation this year.
Season Preview
This season will (hopefully) be one for the books. With guys like Ja Morant, JJJ, and Bane all looking to prove themselves further this year, and a plethora of young guys looking to show their worth for the team. The schedules drop next week, and it remains to be seen with most games. However, there is one tidbit that Memphis fans should take note of that has been confirmed. The Grizzlies are getting their coveted Christmas game this year, playing in the bay on X-mas against their newest rival: the Golden State Warriors. That's right, the team that bounced Beale Street out of the finals hunt last year is gonna be seeing some familiar faces come holiday season. Much trash talk has been spilled between teams and fanbases the past few months, all leading up to the two teams facing off on the biggest non-playoff stage there is. Will Memphis get the next laugh against the reigning kings of the league. Only time will tell.
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