Ja Morant’s 25-Game Suspension?

After two successful campaigns, the Memphis Grizzlies enter the regular season with fewer lingering questions. The focus now shifts towards their potential to challenge Western Conference powerhouses in the playoffs. However, for them to be a playoff team and address those aspirations, they must first secure a guaranteed playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference. This season, they face a significant challenge due to the 25-game suspension of their All-Star guard, Ja Morant.

Memphis has previously shown resilience during Morant’s absence due to injuries, but enduring a 25-game stretch without him will test their mettle. With Tyus Jones now with the Washington Wizards, they lack their dependable backup point guard, adding more responsibility to Marcus Smart’s plate. Smart must quickly integrate with his new teammates, particularly Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. While Smart is more than capable of steering a playoff-bound team, he arrives from a situation where he had ample playing time and an unspoken connection with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Establishing a similar understanding with his new teammates may encounter some challenges. In the long run, the Smart trade appears beneficial for Memphis, providing an upgrade and playoff experience to a roster in need. Nevertheless, it’s uncertain whether things will go as smoothly as before in Morant’s immediate absence, and in a highly competitive race for the Western Conference’s top six spots, the Grizzlies must hold their ground until Morant returns.

Luke Kennard

Despite their talented roster, the Grizzlies lack consistent three-point shooting. As a team, they ranked 23rd in the NBA for three-point percentage last season (35.1 percent), with only two returning players shooting above 36 percent from beyond the arc. Desmond Bane, at 40.8 percent, and Luke Kennard, who posted an exceptional 54 percent from three in his 24 games with Memphis last season, are the exceptions. In the first-round series loss to the Lakers, Kennard maintained his hot shooting by connecting on 50 percent of his threes. Lineups featuring Kennard were among the Grizzlies’ most effective last season, including their playoff series against the Lakers.

Kennard’s defensive capabilities are a concern, likely limiting his minutes. However, considering his unique shooting prowess, the Grizzlies will need to expand his role this season. With the departures of Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones, the backcourt rotation has thinned out, even with the addition of Marcus Smart. Kennard’s ability to stretch the floor will be crucial for Memphis in the playoffs when fast breaks are limited, and a more dynamic half-court offense is needed to compete at the highest level in the Western Conference. Thus, it appears that Kennard is the prime candidate for an increased role to help unlock the Grizzlies’ offensive potential.