On paper, a 48-win season for the Grizzlies looks like a relative success on the heels of last season’s injury-plagued 27-win showing. However, the club went just 14-23 over its final 37 games (including the play-in and playoffs) and finds itself at a crossroads entering the offseason, writes John Hollinger of The Athletic, a former Grizzlies executive.
Having spoken to sources around the league, Hollinger says four main themes were brought up as issues in Memphis: Ja Morant‘s lack of dependability on and off the court in recent years; potentially investing too heavily in Desmond Bane as a third option; gradually losing several key role players (such as Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson); and an inability to hit a home run on the trade market.
Regarding that last point, Hollinger notes that the Grizzlies have made an effort to take big swings over the years — they inquired on impact wings like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Kevin Durant. However, their most significant deal, which saw them give up multiple first-round picks in exchange for Marcus Smart in 2023, didn’t pan out. The club ultimately had to give up another first-round pick to move off Smart’s contract at this year’s trade deadline.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- Given the disappointment and anger that Mavericks fans felt over the team’s decision to trade Luka Doncic, the newest impact player in Dallas – Anthony Davis – is under immense pressure as he tries to fill the shoes of a beloved superstar. Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (subscription required) believes Davis is well suited to take on that challenge and takes an in-depth look at the path the former No. 1 overall pick took to Dallas. “Some people play this game because they make a lot of money. Some people play this game because they care, which makes them a lot of money. AD is a guy that cares,” agent Rich Paul told The Dallas Morning News earlier this year. “He’s bringing all that growth and maturation with him. I think Dallas is actually getting the best AD.”
- After being named this season’s Rookie of the Year, Spurs guard Stephon Castle admitted this week that he doesn’t feel yet like he deserves to be mentioned alongside the franchise’s previous winners of the award (Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Victor Wembanyama). However, as Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News (subscription required) relays, Castle also pointed out that the back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors for him and Wembanyama bode well for San Antonio’s outlook going forward. “It speaks highly of our future,” he said. “What we have going on and what we plan on doing.” Castle added that he won’t “shy away” from the target that his Rookie of the Year award puts on his back next season.
- Although Gregg Popovich will no longer coach the Spurs, his presence will be felt for years to come, according to columnist Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express-News (subscription required), who examines the way that Popovich’s influence has permeated through the organization and the impact he has made on the Spurs’ culture over the last three decades.
Inability to hit homeruns on the trade market should be re-worded into inflation with the sacrifice bunt
I was skeptical of the Bane ext the day it was inked but see zero problems with it today and saw the extra gear this year to validate the ext.
*Infatuation !
Grizz killed themselves, in 2021 they had multiple 1st rd picks. 2022 they had multiple, none of them are on the team. They did some draft day trades but they picked bad. They should have made moves for vets at that time because Bane and Ja were on rookie deals.
It’s really fascinating how they seem to do well at the end of the first round and onwards. But if that pick is between 10 and 29, nope.
Spurs are contenders imo next year even without another trade. Hopefully they don’t trade and get good minutes out of their upcoming rookies. Would love to have cp3 on another 1yr contract, and tre jones signed back.
I’d draft a big who could immidately allow victor to play the 4 for 12 mins a game, and then with the hawks first rounder I’d take a two way wing. We good on guards if we get cp3 & tre back. No need for noobs at PG plz t y
First and I’m a Spurs fan – they are not contenders for a championship next year. That will require multiple upgrades and another couple of years a maturing for Vic. They will contend for the playoffs – so perhaps that’s what you meant.
Also Wemby is a lot of things – one that he is not is a 4. Certainly not if you are thinking Tim Duncan or Karl Malone when you refer to that position. That said I do think he’d benefit from a big physical back up – but not through the draft. You want a veteran in that role.