The Grizzlies’ roster faces several key decisions heading into next season, and a group of players currently sits in the middle ground. As the front office evaluates the team’s direction, these 50/50 cases could determine how the next version of the franchise is built.
Unlike the players clearly positioned as building blocks, the middle tier of the Grizzlies’ roster presents more complicated evaluations. Contract value, developmental upside, roster fit, and organizational priorities will factor into their decisions. Memphis has its hands full with a plethora of players in this position this summer.
Projecting the Future of the Grizzlies’ Roster: The 50/50 Decisions
Santi Aldama
The Grizzlies prioritized Santi Aldama last summer, re-signing the sixth man to a three-year, $52.5 million contract extension. He made good on that investment with career-highs in points (14.0) and rebounds (6.7) this season. However, his season ended after playing 43 games following a procedure to address discomfort in his right knee. At 25 years old, Aldama is valuable to the Grizzlies’ roster, but his contract is a valuable trade asset. Ultimately, his future with the organization could be determined by the position they draft this summer.
Ty Jerome
Similar to Aldama, Ty Jerome was prioritized by the Grizzlies last summer. The difference was that he was brought in from the outside on a three-year, $27 million contract. Unfortunately, a calf strain held off his debut until late January. Despite the Grizzlies’ roster being shifted to a rebuild, Jerome has shown flashes of steady playmaking and scoring. At 29 years old, Jerome provides value as a veteran for the young guys, but his contract is a valuable trade asset, too. Similar to Aldama, again, his future with the team could hinge on the position they address via the draft.
Scotty Pippen Jr.
Few players have carved out a niche on the Grizzlies’ roster quite like Scotty Pippen Jr. His defensive pressure and scoring prowess earned him a roster spot and playing time in the postseason last year. However, the same toe injury on both of his feet limited him to only 10 games this season. While Pippen Jr. has proven capable of contributing meaningful minutes, guard depth puts his future in jeopardy. Like Aldama and Jerome, Pippen Jr.’s future could be determined by the team’s plans in the NBA Draft.
Taylor Hendricks & Walter Clayton Jr.
The two players acquired, along with three first-round draft picks, in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade have had mixed results. Taylor Hendricks has brought intriguing two-way potential to the Grizzlies’ roster. He has taken full advantage of his opportunity, displaying why he was a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If Memphis prioritizes his development, he could grow into an important rotation piece. But roster competition at the forward position could make his role uncertain as he enters the last year of his rookie contract next season.
Walter Clayton Jr. was mentioned by Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman as a potential building block following the trade deadline. However, he hasn’t proven he should be prioritized ahead of any of the other point guards on the roster in his short stint. With a guard-heavy draft on the horizon, Clayton Jr.’s time with Memphis is up in the air.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Olivier-Maxence Prosper represents one of the more development-focused decisions on the Grizzlies’ roster. His defensive tools, length, and energy earned him a two-year contract recently. However, his contract includes a team option that must be exercised this offseason. While he provides value as a high-energy guy, he could be the recipient of a roster crunch.
Taj Gibson
The 40-year old veteran brings leadership and professionalism to the Grizzlies’ roster. Taj Gibson‘s impact extends beyond on-court opportunities. That leadership gives him a pathway to remain on the roster. However, a non-guaranteed deal for next season keeps the option open to release him if the team values maximizing playable guys on the back end of their roster.
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