And so when Ja Morant return to the basketball floor, all the focus is on Memphis Grizzlies. The franchise, which not long ago was touted as the new power in the Western Conference is now on the hunt for a return to the league’s upper echelon. Cue the return of Morant, the Grizzlies now set their sights on not just a play-off berth, but a supremacy that would make them a championship contender. The question on everyone’s mind: Can the Grizzlies, with Morant, return to championship playoff contention?
The Rise of the Grizzlies: From Underdogs to Contenders
In the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies were the story of the year not so long ago; a young and developing team that was ready to challenge the more experienced teams of the Western Conference. Coasting on the heels of Ja Morant, a super talent, they all became generically known as the Next Big Thing. Thanks to Morant and his desire to play-at-the-rim dunks, excellent ball handling and captaincy of the Grizzlies, the team became one of the favorites of the NBA.
Change for the 2021-2022 season: Achievements of the team 56 victories and second place in the western conference. Only a few years ago, the team hardly had a talented core and only a few of them were regarded as future stars. To this an NBA veteran can sneer: ‘But wait, that’s just what happens in the NBA!’ Indeed, it only takes a few seasons to shake things up.
The Fall: How the Grizzlies Experienced Struggles After Morant's Suspension
A number of unfortunate incidents happened after. Last season, Ja Morant, who is central to the Grizzlies, went through several suspensions. Evaluations of his attitude apart from the court influenced actions taken by the league regarding discipline. The Grizzlies stumbled too when Morant did. Without him, the team, so highly connected to their star's triumph, was not able to function as powerfully. Oklahoma City's problems worsened, as essential players like Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke were out of play because of injuries.
The result? A massive drop-off. After two years of excellence, the Grizzlies dropped down to just 27 wins in what appeared to be a do-over sort of season for the team. Their fall from grace was as swift as their rise, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Is this a passing difficulty, or the launch of a prolonged downward trend?
The Ja Morant Factor: Ready for Redemption?
Thanks to Ja Morant returning to the floor, the Grizzlies find themselves at yet another crossroads. His talent is undeniable. By age 24, Morant has made his presence felt as one of the most exceptional players in the NBA. He’s a dominant shooter, a hard-fighting competitor, and a leader who influences the court. Regardless of the obstacles outside of the court, there’s no doubt that Morant can be a groundbreaking talent for the franchise.
But the question remains: Might Morant be able to dismiss the distractions and return to the level of performance that made him an All-Star? If that's possible, then the Grizzlies’ ability to rise is considerable. An individual like Morant can single-handedly propel a team into playoff hunting—and possibly further. The skill that draws people in, awareness of the court, and capability to control games highlight a hurdle for defense teams.
It's not all about Morant. Memphis can only rise to the top of the Western Conference if every player on the roster rises to meet the challenge. Luckily, the Grizzlies are overflowing with talent.
A Deep and Talented Roster: The Supporting Cast
The Grizzlies shine brightest because of their depth. Dubbed the current NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr. excels at defense. Memphis’ game strategy gains a necessary dimension thanks to his ability to protect the rim and improve capabilities with his shooting. Already regarded as one of the league's top big men, Jackson is constantly improving.
Remarkably, Desmond Bane has developed into a real scoring menace. During last season, Bane racked up over 20 points per game and has turned into one of the NBA’s trusted three-point shooters. Thanks to his shooting ability, Morant can pursue the basket successfully, which makes for a strong insider-outsider combination that is talented at confusing defenders.
Then, we have Marcus Smart, the NBA's 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Smart's valuable leadership and defensive determination were limited by his injuries in the last season. The acquisition of Memphis contributes extra toughness and years of experience to the Grizzlies' roster. Smart may be the necessary foundation that keeps this team together if he remains fit.
Along with starters, the roster in Memphis is quite extensive. Brandon Clarke, currently recovering from his injury, adds both energy and rebounding to the team. Rookies such as GG Jackson and Zach Edey show promise, in contrast to veterans like Vince Williams Jr., who give us stability. Ultimately, the Grizzlies have everything they need to seriously compete.
The Western Conference: A Tough Road Ahead
Though the team has talent, the way to the top of the Western Conference is definitively difficult. While Memphis was falling, other teams have become more significant. Led by Nikola Jokić, the reigning champion Denver Nuggets present no sign of stopping.
