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Just last season, the Memphis Grizzlies surprised the NBA world by upsetting the Golden State Warriors to squeak through the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Ja Morant was just in his second season, but he was not afraid of the bright lights as the leader of one of the youngest squads in the association. What surprised the NBA world, even more, was the Grizzlies catapulting themselves to the second-best record in the league this season.
Memphis finished their 2021-22 campaign with 56 wins, but they failed to advance to the Western Conference by losing in six games to the aforementioned Warriors. The nucleus of the Grizzlies roster could stick together for the next 5-8 years because of the combination of their age and production. Even with Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and the rest of the crew on the squad, there are still a few tweaks the front office must address entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
Grizzlies 2022 NBA Draft Needs
Reliable Outside Shooter
Going against a team like Golden State in the playoffs exposed their weaknesses with three-point shooting. Desmond Bane swished 228 threes this season on a fantastic 43.6% clip, which is by far the best on their team. De'Anthony Melton and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the only other contributors with more than 100 made long-range bombs, which will be a cause for concern with a playmaker and slasher like Ja Morant.
Similar to the Dallas Mavericks' success with Luka Doncic, he has several shooters by his side that can convert corner threes consistently. Problems will start to persist if defenses can just constantly help off their man and crowd Morant on the paint. Even with the terrific second unit of the Grizzlies, coach Taylor Jenkins will find a way of giving minutes to a shooter that could have an instant impact on his rookie season for a championship-contending organization.
Secondary Playmaker
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With the expiring contract of Tyus Jones in the offseason, the Grizzlies will be lacking a floor general who would complement their other wings like Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. Even during their playoff run these past two years, the ability of their players to create offense when Morant is being pressured has been a huge question mark for their schemes.
Retaining Tyus Jones would be incredible for Memphis, but they may still need another playmaker to select in the draft. Morant's uncertain injury concerns make it even more of a necessity to have numerous playmakers in their lineup as a reserve for the lengthy 82-game regular season. Furthermore, Kyle Anderson is also entering unrestricted free agency as he would be a huge loss if he does not return because he is also a spectacular initiator as a point forward.
Combo Forward
For a team that was forced to go small in both series in this year's playoffs, Memphis will need to upgrade on their Xavier Tillman or John Konchar spot. Having Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke as the key cogs of a small-ball lineup would continue being remarkable for the Grizzlies, but the problem lies when one of these forwards starts sitting on the bench.
If the front office could add a towering presence like Steven Adams but a more athletic version who could keep it up with the young guns, they must develop and hone that type of player. Possibly losing Kyle Anderson will force them to lose another skillful forward who is integral to their undersized units. The competitiveness and grit of an individual are what could separate a few draftees from the rest, so the Grizzlies' front office must prioritize adding a name that would fit their system & culture.
The approach to team-building of the Memphis Grizzlies has been one of the most admirable ones in recent memory. The majority of their core pieces are home-grown talents who were selected in the draft compared to other franchises that recruit their players through free agency. It feels a bit more special and rewarding when rosters are built from the ground up. The progress and journey in claiming that elusive championship from the ground up would be sensational, and reaching that plateau is not far from the reach of the Memphis Grizzlies.
