The Memphis Grizzlies have higher expectations after reaching the NBA playoffs last season with a 38-34 record. With these expectations let's get bold and have some predictions for their upcoming season. Star Ja Morant will look to lead them to new heights. Dillon Brooks will miss the beginning of the season with his left-hand injury but they have Jaren Jackson Jr back and healthy.

Ja Morant will make the All-Star team and All-NBA team

Morant would have been an All-Star last season if it wasn't for his injury.  There's no question that he will be an All-Star this season if he plays anywhere near to the potential he's able to play. The NBA is filled with talented guards and for Morant to make an All-NBA team he's probably going to have to finish with a top eighth seed and be close to a double-double with at least 20 points per game.

Ja is one of the best in the game and there's a very good chance that he ends up on an All-NBA team. If he stays healthy he's almost a given for the All-Star Game.

Desmond Bane will lead NBA in 3-point percentage and earn MIP votes

If you're looking for a breakout candidate on the team to win the Most Improved Player award, look no further than Desmond Bane.

Bane was one of the league's best 3-point shooters last year finishing at 42.8% on the year. 

With Dillon Brooks injured for the start of the season, Bane has a chance to get more minutes for the Grizzlies. He's going to show that not only is he one of the League's best 3-point shooters but he's also a skilled all-around scorer.  If Bane can average 13-15 points per game and continue to be one of the league's best 3-point shooters there's a good chance that if the Grizzlies finish with a top-eight seed he can get some most improved player votes.

Bane, who's entering his second season will take a big jump. The looks Morant will get him will set him up for success, as there will be open looks from behind the three-point line consistently.

The Grizzlies will have a big 2022 offseason

Don't expect too much out of Memphis at the trade deadline this season unless they exceed expectations and are in a position to win an NBA Championship.

The Grizzlies will have a huge 2022 offseason.  Their trades this offseason we're mostly about freeing up some cap space and acquiring assets to make in trades. Trading Grayson Allen is something that could come back to the Grizzlies regretting in a few years. The Grizzlies make the proper signing with the money that was freed up because of Allen are you some of that money to go get a second star next to Ja Morant they will be in a good spot.

There are some top free agents next summer including the likes of James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Zach Lavine. While it might be hard for the Grizzlies to secure one of these three, there are still options for Memphis. Players like Collin Sexton, Miles Bridges, and TJ Warren could all be upgraded to pair next to Morant while not breaking the bank. They would also be able to add another piece that can stretch the floor, someone like veteran Joe Ingles.

The Grizzlies can repeat what the Phoenix Suns did a season ago

Who says they can't? The Grizzlies are in a good position and they have a lot of talent around them. If they are in a win-now mode at the break there's a chance they go out and get someone. There is a better chance they wait until the summer of 2022 but they may do it now.

Ja Morant can play at the level Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns plays at. He's young, exciting, and scores at will just as Booker. The Grizzlies don't have a Chris Paul but they have key role players who can play the same way the Suns' role players did.

If a few breaks go their way there is a chance Memphis can make some big noise in the Western Conference. If Ja can play at an All-NBA level and the role players fit in around him there's an outside chance they do something big.

The 2021-2022 Grizzlies look good on paper. If they can get their guys back from injury and their young players take the next step it will be interesting to see what they can do. If Morant goes, the team goes. It will be exciting to see a young star like Morant take over and try to lead his team in the tough Western Conference.