Grizzlies’ Grind: 2025-26 Season Preview – Can Memphis Roar Back to Relevance?
At initially, Memphis used a worst-to-first narrative style. In 2024–25, the team hit a stride after averaging 105.8 points per game in 2023–24, going on to average 121.7.
In that category, they came within 0.2 points of the NBA leaders, headed by Ja Morant (23.2), Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2), and Desmond Bane (19.2). Ten of the Grizzlies’ last sixteen games were losses, though, so it was a rough ride for the most of the season.
The team’s most successful coach, Taylor Jenkins, was let go with nine games left in the regular season, and they ended up settling for the eighth seed in a playoff seeding race.
Because of that, the Thunder and Memphis were destined to meet in the first round of the playoffs. The team lost in a sweep because they were unable to overcome Oklahoma City’s strong defence, which set in motion a series of events that would continue into the summer.
Offseason
- Re-signing: Santi Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr. (extension), Cam Spencer
- Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (trade), Ty Jerome (free agent), Jock Landale (free agent)
- Draft: Cedric Coward (11th pick, acquired via trade), Javon Small (48th pick), Jahmai Mashack (59th pick, acquired via trade)
- Departures: Marvin Bagley III (free agent), Desmond Bane (trade), Jay Huff (trade), Luke Kennard (free agent), Lamar Stevens (overseas)
- Unsigned Free Agents: N/A
A major improvement was extending Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract by five years. Last season, he scored more than 22 points per game for the second year in a row, and his 3-point percentage of 37.5% was his highest since the 2019-2020 season.
The Grizzlies’ acquisition of Jackson Jr. is a direct result of the transaction that sent Bane to the Orlando Magic.
At guard, two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can provide a solid foundation, while Cedric Coward, the highest draught pick this year, is an interesting acquisition.
With the addition of Ty Jerome, who had his best scoring season to date, Memphis was able to boost its 3-point shooting. Although the loss of Bane is disappointing, the Grizzlies should have no trouble competing in the West if they make the most of their youthful core.
X-factor
Ja Morant. When Morant is available, he remains one of the most electrifying players in the game.
The 6-foot-2 star attracts plenty of cameras with his high-flying jams and remains a potent scorer, having averaged 23 points or more in four consecutive campaigns.
Morant’s athleticism translates to the defensive end as well – with a career-high-tying 1.2 steals per game in 2024-25 – and he’s one of the few players in the NBA who can truly take over a game.
With three other starters returning alongside him, he should have the tools he needs to perform at a high level, and often.
A crucial inquiry
Can we expect coach Tuomas Iisalo to ease up on the pace? With 103.69 possessions per game last season, Memphis topped the league in pace.
The Grizzlies were a formidable opponent for teams who committed turnovers or failed to stop the fast break.
Despite leading the team to a 35-16 record early in the season, the approach failed to propel them to a deep playoff run.
The departure of Jenkins from the sideline and Lisalo’s opportunity to begin anew in 2025–26 provide him the freedom to shape the offence according to his vision.
Maybe his strategy will be more deliberate and slow, allowing Morant to shine. Maybe his philosophy is just like his predecessor’s. When necessary, Memphis can hunker down defensively, but in the end, the other team needs to score.
Tuomas Iisalo will take the helm following his temporary stint at the end of last season, while Memphis will have to get used to playing without Desmond Bane after trading with the Magic in the offseason.
It seems doubtful that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can match Bane’s performance, given he was the Grizzlies’ second-best player for significant portions of the past two seasons.
Therefore, we should expect to see the Grizzlies return to their grittier side, which is what sets them apart defensively.
They’ll be counting on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but with Morant out with an injury and Jackson finally getting his offensive game together, they won’t be able to reach their full potential.
Key dates
- Preseason Opener: Oct. 6 vs. Pistons (8 ET, League Pass)
- Regular Season/Home Opener: Oct. 22 vs. Pelicans (8 ET, League Pass)
- Emirates NBA Cup West Group B Play: Oct. 31 vs. Lakers (9:30 ET, Prime), Nov. 7 vs. Mavericks (8 ET, League Pass), Nov. 26 at Pelicans (8 ET, League Pass), Nov. 28 at Clippers (10 ET, League Pass)
- NBA Global Games (Berlin): Jan. 15 vs. Magic (2 ET, Prime)
- NBA Global Games (London): Jan. 18 vs. Magic (12 ET, Prime)
What they’re saying
Zach Harper, The Athletic: “Memphis is resetting things a little with the structure of its books by sending away Bane.
It’ll sacrifice on the court for now, but the Grizzlies can now figure out what this team looks like and how that gets structured with Tuomas Iisalo running the sidelines.
They get to do that while bringing in all of that draft capital to use either as cost-effective roster additions (and this team is really good at identifying young talent) or in trades to bring in help for Morant and Jackson. It’s a step down for now, but it’s a good look toward the future
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