This season, the Memphis Grizzlies have looked like one of the best teams in the league.
This Grizzlies team's story revolves around Ja Morant this season and rightfully so. Morant has been outstanding, but there are many other reasons for their success, as the Grizzlies have some of the best role players in the NBA. They have a number of players on their roster that provide all that a role player should in the NBA. When you add in the fact that they have their top player in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are a team that will be difficult to beat in the playoffs.
There are many unsung heroes on this Grizzlies squad, but three individuals, in particular, have risen up this season to contribute to the teams' major success.
Let's take a look at the three most underappreciated Memphis Grizzlies players in 2022.
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Grizzlies Unsung Heroes 2022
3. Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane has been an unsung hero for this Grizzlies squad, but he is also the X Factor in their chances of winning a title. If he can maintain this level of play on the offensive end, Memphis will have a second star who can go out and almost score 20 points each game, which is exactly what a playoff team requires. In his first season, he was also sensational, shooting 43 percent from three-point range on four tries per game.
What he's accomplished this year is nothing short of remarkable, and there's a strong case to be made that he should be this year's Most Improved Player award winner. He went from averaging 9.2 points per game last season to 17.7 points per game this season, with nearly 50/40/90 shooting splits. On the offensive side of the ball, he's been fantastic for this Grizzlies team, and he's a big reason why they're one of the best in the NBA.
They are going to need him to play the best basketball he possibly can if they were to find any success for the rest of the year and perhaps make some noise in the Western Conference, and he's done exactly that so far this year.
He not only scores, but he also has the responsibility of guarding the opposing team's top player some nights, demonstrating that he is versatile on both sides of the ball and has the potential to be a star in this league one day.
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson is not only one of the best rim defenders in the NBA, but he can also score around the basket and is improving on his three-point shooting. He's been fantastic for the Grizzlies this season, especially since Christmas Day. He is averaging 16.5 points per game and nearly two blocks per game this season.
The Grizzlies will not be able to replace what he has done on the defensive end of the ball because he is someone who allows the rest of their defense to play chest to chest against other offensive weapons. Jackson will always be there to block a shot or make it difficult for anyone driving to the basket, which is huge for the rest of the defense.
Before the season began, there were numerous rumors that the Grizzlies could opt to trade Jaren Jackson Jr, but if this season has shown anything, it's that he has the potential to be one of the best forwards or centers in the NBA.
He's been a big part of the Grizzlies' success this season, and he'll have to keep playing elite basketball if they want to keep winning.
1. Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson is a unique name because he doesn't necessarily fill up a stat sheet or do anything crazy on the floor. He is a good defender who can also dish out assists while scoring.
Anderson is one of those players who every NBA team would love to have on their roster because he does everything right. He always goes the extra mile, Anderson always gives it his all on defense, and he's typically guarding the opposing team's best forward.
He doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, but he is more than serviceable and has played a key role in the Grizzlies' recent success.
It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies finish the season and perform in the playoffs. Although they have found plenty of success, the playoffs are a different game and since they are so young, they could struggle. With how well they have played this season, there is no real reason to believe that this team won't continue to dominate during the playoffs.
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