The Memphis Grizzlies’ off-season didn’t include much in the addition or departure categories. What is important is that last year’s injured players are expected to be back and healthy for the start of the new season, including Ja Morant, who the Grizzlies are hoping will lead them back to the playoffs next April.
Memphis Grizzlies Off-Season: A Review To Date
Grizzlies Off-Season Centered On Health and Injury Returns
The Memphis Grizzlies’ off-season plans were to forget about last season—dig a deep hole in the ground and bury it so no one can find it. Of course, I say that with a deep sense of amusement because the Grizzlies off-season, although quiet, perhaps didn’t call for too much overhauling or roster moves.
The 2022-23 NBA season saw the Memphis Grizzlies improve drastically and make the playoffs. Morant had become a superstar, and the following season, Memphis hoped to make a giant leap. Off-the-court issues for Morant toppled those plans, leading to a 25-game suspension to begin last year. Team-wide injuries also surrounded that circumstance. Brandon Clarke (played nine games), Marcus Smart (played 20 games), and Desmond Bane (played 42 games) all missed significant time—Steven Adams missed the entire season (and was traded in-season).
Considering that these players (minus Adams, now in Houston) will be back, Memphis is built solidly as it is currently constructed. Ja Morant and the outstanding Jaren Jackson Jr. will lead the way. The only major news from the Grizzlies’ off-season was the draft, where they selected Purdue big man Zach Edey. To reiterate, perhaps Memphis only needed to do a little this summer besides getting healthy and preparing to run back the 2022-23 roster.
Key Player Departures
The Grizzlies’ off-season was sparse in player departures. Little-used role players like Ziaire Williams and Yuta Watanabe (now with Chiba Jets Funabashi of the B. League in Japan) are gone. Steven Adams was dealt to the Houston Rockets during the 2023-24 season—a significant loss at the time. Adams is an excellent center and one of the strongest players in the league. The Rockets have to feel good about acquiring him. However, the addition of Edey should help make up for Adams’ loss.
Key Player Acquisitions
Zach Edey was the only addition of real value this off-season for the Grizzlies. Memphis selected Edey with the ninth overall pick. The center that has dominated the NCAA for the last two years will have his size and foot movement put to the test. One of Edey’s concerns pre-draft was his lack of speed and foot movement. Yet, Memphis called their shot. Watching Edey and Jackson Jr. work together in the paint will be interesting.
Ja’s Return Is Everything For Memphis
While he’s technically not an addition, the return of sensation and crown exploder Ja Morant is the biggest off-season development for the Grizzlies. He hasn’t played in nearly a year, apart from the few games between the suspension and his season-ending injury. Barring any major injuries, the Grizzlies must be considered threats in a crowded and brutal Western Conference.
