Trying to build off last season's success and make a deep playoff run this season, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a lot of work to do if they want to make serious strides this season. In a jam-packed Western Conference, the Grizzlies will without question have a tough road ahead of them.

As they work to eventually become one of the elite teams in the NBA, Memphis is hoping to remain in the playoff picture and make it past the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. With all this in the fold for Memphis, let's take a look at the one pleasant surprise who's stood out the most for them early on in 2021 NBA training camp.

Grizzlies training camp standout: De'Anthony Melton 

He may not show up on any highlight reels or post All-Star level stats, but De'Anthony Melton has still shown a ton of growth and improvement in just his second season with the team. Granted he hasn't done anything new, at least not yet, but he has vastly improved his game across the board and could prove to be a major asset for the team throughout the 2021-22 NBA season.

This is was put on full display during their first preseason game when he shot almost 41% from three and was highly productive with his strong defensive efforts. Coming up with three steals and a denial at the rim in transition, Melton displayed some stellar defense and will fit in nicely with this young, aggressive, and super athletic Grizzlies squad.

With Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all getting better each season, the continual growth and development of Melton will do wonders for them in the long haul and add to an already deep and talented young core. It may take a while for them to fight their way into the elite of the Western Conference, but the future is definitely looking bright for this youthful and dynamic Grizzlies team that's destined for greatness in the coming years.

So definitely keep an eye out as De'Anthony Melton will continue to do big things for the Grizzlies and give them some quality depth in their backcourt. It's still early into the preseason and there's a bit of a ways to go in NBA training camp, but Melton has already shown a ton of promise and this could be a sign of good things to come in Memphis heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.

Aiming to make leaps and bounds this season, the Grizzlies are ready to put the entire league on notice as they look to climb the ranks of the NBA elite and establish their true identity. Considering how well Melton has already played for them, they may be establishing a consistently good and winning culture that's primed to take them far this season.

With his continued progression, Melton will give a ton of relief to Morant and elevate their guard rotation that will be huge for them when they face elite scoring backing courts throughout the regular season. In Melton, Memphis has found a well-rounded combo guard with a strong defensive prowess that will give them another gritty effort player who never backs down. The Grizzlies saw how much they needed to improve on, despite their considerable progress in the 2021 season and their huge win over the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament. Getting continued improvement from role players is how they will climb the standings in the West.