Following the selection of Murray State icon Ja Morant in 2019, the Memphis Grizzlies have evolved into a new era. They have used quality pieces such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane as building blocks while also trading for key role players like Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. The front office has done an outstanding job constructing a promising young core for the Grizzlies that will survive for years down the line.
Last season, several players went down due to injury. This put the ball in the hands of GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr., two exceptional talents looking for an opportunity to showcase what they can do.
Despite Memphis finishing with one of the worst records in the Western Conference, Jackson and Williams Jr. demonstrated persistent resilience. They consistently delivered standout performances, igniting discussions about the Grizzlies’ enduring potential.
The Memphis Grizzlies make a case for the brightest future in the NBA.
The trio of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane instantly puts the Grizzlies’ young core at the top of the league. They have scoring, spacing, finishing, and some of the NBA’s best defense.
However, GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. boost Memphis in every aspect of the game. Jackson, in particular, is the youngest player in the NBA. He dominated for Memphis last season, averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 35.7% from beyond the arc. These numbers allowed him to secure all-rookie honors as a mid-second-round pick.
Two-way phenom and nine-time all-star Paul George shared plenty of praise for Jackson on his show, Podcast P. George stated, “I know they were on a team that was kind of limited with injuries and Ja [Morant] not being there, but I thought he stepped in when the light was a little dim in Memphis and shed his light to make a showcase that he’s here to stay in the NBA.”
Memphis followed up with a great choice this year, selecting Purdue big man Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick. Though the front office is receiving criticism for this selection, Edey will thrive in a role next to Morant. There is no limit to how far the Grizzlies’ core of talent can go if Edey defies the odds and makes a name for himself professionally.
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