Is a Memphis Grizzlies finals destination a legitimate expectation for a team coming off an injury-riddled, disappointing season? ESPN’s NBA Today seems to think so.
With Ja Morant back to lead the way, look out for the Grizzlies to make some noise. Listen to what the panel had to say about the Grizzlies’ finals chances.
A Grizzlies finals destination has a greater chance of happening than many might expect, according to ESPN’s Richard Jefferson. On ESPN’s NBA Today, Jefferson was optimistic about those expectations and the Grizzlies’ chances for several reasons, ranging from the hype and expectations from two years ago to the current roster.
Jefferson has a point; the Grizzlies’ roster is no joke. What held them back last season mostly came down to injuries. Morant’s suspension and subsequent injury—a season-ending injury—played a significant role in the Grizzlies’ disappointing season, not to mention the off-court distractions that hung over Morant’s head.
With the Grizzlies roster back and healthy, Jefferson is not counting them out as finals contenders, a sentiment shared by his colleague, Chiney Ogwumike. Both panelists agreed that seeing a Memphis run to the finals wouldn’t be surprising. Instead, it would be a testament to what is expected of them.
Two years ago, the Grizzlies were in the middle of a great season and made the playoffs (an accomplishment for the young team) but bowed out early to the Los Angeles Lakers. Memphis had high expectations, as alluded to on NBA Today. Morant’s magnificent play was the primary justification for the team’s expectations. Fast forward two years, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is even better than he was two seasons past. Last summer’s big signing, Marcus Smart, who appeared in only 20 games before falling to injury, is healthy and ready to go. Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke, both very underrated players, are still on the team.
Additionally, the team drafted big man Zach Edey out of Purdue to fill the space vacated by Steven Adams. Memphis traded Adams to Houston last season. We shall find out how Edey will fare in his rookie season. Morant was pretty hyped about the draft selection when it happened.
Morant is nothing but electrifying, and the Grizzlies’ starting five and depth are formidable. They’re also coached by a solid staff led by Taylor Jenkins, another underrated piece in the Memphis organization. The roster, talent, and leadership are in place. Jefferson is right; they had grand expectations, and those expectations look ready to be picked up once the 2024-25 season takes off. Why can’t the Grizzlies have an NBA Finals destination in their plans?
How far the Grizzlies go this year comes down to Morant. Hopefully, his off-court interruptions remain past tense, and his brilliant basketball playing is now and in the future. Memphis will go as he does. He will pave the way for the Grizzlies to potentially making the finals. All things considered, perhaps it would be folly to totally discount the Grizzlies as a real threat in a Western Conference.
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