Job on the Line! Top 1 Grizzlies Player Facing Roster Rumble in 2025-26
After finishing last season with a 48-34 record, the Memphis Grizzlies were seeded eighth in the Western Conference.
They advanced to the Play-In Tournament, where they defeated the Dallas Mavericks and earned a spot in the playoffs.
In addition to losing in a sweep at the hands of the eventual champs, star point guard Ja Morant hurt himself while playing for Oklahoma City.
The Memphis Grizzlies have a new head coach and a revitalised star, so they should be among the playoff contenders again this year.
After six years as head coach, Taylor Jenkins was fired suddenly, and Tuomas Iisalo, who had been Jenkins’ assistant, would remain in his position as interim head coach.
After sitting out nearly a third of the previous season due to a suspension, Ja Morant is ready to return and make another impression this year.
While we have seen a couple of names traded around this summer, we can expect to see the bulk of their starting rotation stay put.
As is the case with most teams in the NBA, most roster spots need to be earned and there’s always a hungry competitor looking for their time to shine on the court.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo will have an exciting roster to work with in his first season running this team, but it’ll be important to set the right lineups in maximizing their production.
Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished last season with the second-highest scoring total of his career (22.2 PPG), will also continue in his role as a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star.
He was instrumental in their low-post defence last season, when he set a career high with 1.2 steals per game and averaged 1.5 blocks per game.
With Zach Edey’s stature and his length on the low blocks, the Grizzlies’ front court is intimidating.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be starting his first season with the Grizzlies, his 13th season as a two-time champion in the NBA.
He’s been the missing piece on championship teams in the past, so the hope is that KCP can elevate this team to the next level with his veteran prowess and consistent presence.
The Memphis Grizzlies stated on June 10 that Zach Edey will be reassessed in four months for a left ankle strain.
It is uncertain whether Edey will be able to participate in the 2025–26 NBS season opener on October 21 due to potential setbacks in his rehabilitation.
If that’s the case, seven-foot forward Santi Aldama would likely step in and play centre midfield, just like he has before.
With a career-best 36.8% three-point shooting percentage and an average of 12.5 points per game, Aldama just had the finest season of his four-year career.
In addition, Brandon Clarke’s free throw shooting has much improved, and he has demonstrated consistency as a rebounder, so he is no longer a liability in the clutch.
If Edey suffers from a series of injuries this season, the Grizzlies will have plenty of choices thanks to his consistently strong defence.
As it stands, Jaylen Wells is set to be the starter at the small forward position following a promising 2024-25 campaign averaging 10.4 PPG on 42.5% shooting.
They’re hoping that he can take the next step in his development, serving as that second option in the backcourt alongside Ja Morant.
While Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will hold things down on the defensive perimeter, Wells is the much better shot creator and will add mid-range depth to this offense.
Wells will benefit from Vince Williams Jr.’s strong defensive efforts as he grows into the starting role, but Williams is still a work in progress.
In the end, this is a very youthful squad, and their coach will be learning the ropes with them. There will be some early difficulties for the Grizzlies, but Ja Morant and the rest of the team will find a way to overcome them.
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