Hoping to build on their success from the 2021-22 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team on the verge of winning it all. Now that their star core is locked in and focused, the Grizzlies are just a few key moves away from reaching this feat. With 2022 NBA free agency in full swing, the Grizzlies will look to make quality additions that'll take them to the next level.
In their continued pursuit of their first NBA championship in franchise history, the Grizzlies will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them. The Western Conference is as top heavy as it is deep, with the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves all vying for a deep playoff run.
Let's take a look at the biggest needs the Grizzlies still must address to bring home their championship in 2022-23.
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3 biggest needs Grizzlies must still address to win 2023 NBA Finals
1) Sign Dennis Schroder
Coming off a few disappointing seasons while having played for the Los Angles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, Dennis Schroder could be an impact player for the Grizzlies. When fully healthy and on his A-game, Schroder can be a lethal two-way presence for any team he's on. In a reserve role for Memphis, Schroder would do wonders as facilitator, playmaker and pesky perimeter defender.
Plus, after losing De'Anthony Melton in a draft night trade, Schroder would be great insurance for them at guard behind Ja Morant and Tyuys Jones. It may not seem like it, but Schroder could fill a major area of need for Memphis and his aggressive style of play would be a seamless fit.
2) Add a skilled center to bolster their frontcourt depth
Despite having a productive regular season, Steven Adams failed to maintain that level of play for the Grizzlies during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. After eventually being taken out of the lineup completely, it became quite apparent the Grizz were in dire need of an upgrade at the center spot.
Adams' limited offensive game and inability to run the floor has made him a liability on both ends of the floor. Granted, finding a mobile big is no easy task, but the Grizzlies have found a way to build a winning culture in a relatively short period of time. So this shouldn't be too hard to accomplish either.
One name that comes to mind is DeMarcus Cousins, who is still a viable free agent option for them to pursue. His well-rounded offensive game, rebounding ability and tenacity would be a welcome addition for the Grizzlies. Teams have previously pursued him with caution, but after a turnaround season with the Nuggets where he found new life as their backup center, Cousins started to show flashes of his former self, which could make this a steal of a signing for the Grizzlies.
3) Trade for Matisse Thybulle
The recent signing of P.J. Tucker has made it more and more likely the Sixers will move on from Matisse Thybulle. They also have been rumored to be shopping him around as of late. With his speed, length and slashing ability, he'd perfectly fit the mold of what Memphis is building. Their deep roster loaded with youth and athleticism would make Thybulle a perfect addition.
Thybulle would also give the Grizz another lockdown defender. His ability to play both shooting guard and small forward would give the Grizzlies even more versatility on both ends of the floor. This is one trade that could be a real game-changer for the Grizzlies as they aim to reach the promised land in 2023.
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