The ones we did not expect to be so high: Grizzlies

It was not so long ago that the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the most complicated and respected rivals in the Western Conference. Led by Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, among others, they had seven consecutive postseason appearances, including the conference finals in 2013.

But as time went by, the team was dismantled to such an extent that the roster had to be rebuilt.

That’s when, in the 2019 draft, they selected point guard Ja Morant with the second pick of the draft. What the rest of the NBA did not visualize was that, these young and ‘hungry’ Grizzlies, would be contenders again earlier than anticipated.

Memphis currently sits in third place in the West with a 32-17 record and Morant is -if healthy- among the top MVP candidates.

What have been the factors behind the Grizzlies’ good form?

Rifirrafa with Iguodala
One of the turning points for this outfit, was when 2020 shooting guard Dillion Brooks came out in 2020 to a report that one-time 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala preferred not to play that season. He preferred that the Grizzlies trade him to another team with a shot at the playoffs.

“Can’t wait for us to trade him, show people how good we are,” Brooks wrote on social media. Morant concurred.

Later, after an exchange on social media with Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry, Morant explained why they had a falling out: “When I found out Iguodala was going to be on our team, I was excited because I could learn a lot from him. When I saw his attitude, I had to change mine,” he added.

Iguodala, similar to the rest of the league, didn’t know what was to come.

Morant, like Derrick Rose did with the Bulls in 2011, has enamored – not just his fans – but the basketball world in general. His electrifying way of attacking the basket, creating plays and leaping over anyone in front of him has made the Grizzlies a ‘must-see tv’ night after night.

But the Grizzlies are not just Morant. Their good moment has, also, others responsible.

Desmond Bane, the ‘secret weapon’.
By now, all 30 NBA teams are aware of the threat posed by the Grizzlies. But earlier in the season, looking at the Memphis roster, one could perhaps sense a step up from Brooks himself or Jaren Jackson Jr, but what no one saw coming was a favorite Most Improved candidate in Desmond Bane.

Bane recorded 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists and was instrumental in helping the Grizzlies keep winning even without Morant through 11 games.

Last year, he only scored 9.2 points per game.

The shooting guard, who was questionable because his wingspan is shorter than his height (6’5″), was originally drafted by the Celtics in 2020, but traded to Memphis for two second-round picks.

As recently as December, he became, along with Morant, the first perimeter duo in the organization’s history to each score at least 30 points during a single game.

Thanks in part to Morant, Bane and the rest of the aforementioned players, the Grizzlies lead the league in scoring average in the paint, counter-attacks and second chances, according to ESPN Data.

Over the past 25 seasons, the only other team to lead the league in all three categories was the 2012-13 Nuggets, who finished 57-25.

Steven Adams’ veteran and physical presence has helped tremendously, too, for a Grizzlies that aren’t afraid of anyone.

Taylor Jenkins, from Budenholzer’s school
Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins was named Coach of the Month in December. He posted a 12-4 record. He beat the Los Angeles Lakers twice, as well as the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. He has become one of the top 10 coaches in the league.

Jenkins comes from the school of Mike Budenholzer, current coach of the champion Milwaukee Bucks.

He was in Milwaukee until 2019 when he was chosen as the architect of the Grizzlies’ restructuring. Prior to the Bucks, he likewise assisted Budenholzer at the Atlanta Hawks for a lustrum. Jenkins is a clear extension candidate.

Can the Grizzlies contend for a title this year? No.

Now, Memphis is not primarily known as a great destination for NBA play. It’s a small-market team.

However, Morant and company are opening ‘the door’, in years to come, so that other types of stars can be encouraged to play for the Grizzlies. Those you need to beat Milwaukee, Brooklyn or Golden State in a hypothetical Finals.

In the meantime, Memphis is on the rise. There’s no stopping Morant. And if the rest of the league does not prepare for this ‘assault’ of the Grizzlies, then it will be too late. They fear no one.