The Memphis Grizzlies stormed into the league last season. They were the underdogs, a young, up-and-coming team that played with an entertaining mix of swagger, talent, and trash talk. This time around, their success in the regular season is not surprising anymore. They have two All-Stars – All-NBA Guard and Defensive Player of the Year – and another player on the brink of stardom. Everyone expected them to win, especially because of their confident speaking.
Thus, knocking out the playoffs by the seventh-seeded Lakers, who had forced their way into the play-off cycle, wasn’t a good look. Changes need to be made, both on and off the field, so let’s take a look at three off-season moves that could change the Grizzlies.
Step #3: Grow up
The same thing that made the young Grizzlies so impressive in the beginning soon made them one of the most hated teams in the league. Their bravado and endearing arrogance seemed to slowly but surely turn into disrespect and arrogance. The brighter the lights around them, the higher their attitude. It seemed that because of their great talent, they thought that success would be placed on a silver platter right in front of them, and all they had to do was grab it. Now they know it’s not that easy. There is more to fame and success in the NBA than just the odds.
Ja Morant, Jaryn Jackson Jr., and Desmond are among three of the best players under the age of 25. They are a special group. They could be the next great thing in the NBA, but there is competition. The Kings, Thunder, and Cavaliers are all looking forward to the same situation. To beat those other teams and start running now while others are still finding their footing, the Grizzlies need discipline and discipline from everyone.
Individual talents only get you this far if you’re not 100 percent committed, and if they don’t bring the Grizzlies together, they’re in danger of becoming one of the greatest “what could have been” stories. At the highest level, there is no room for disrespectful comments, evading media availability, or Morant’s non-basketball antics. The lack of accountability we have seen this season cannot exist anymore, both on and off the field.
However, perhaps the worst thing was that the Grizzlies failed to back up their big talk on the court when it mattered most. Injuries hit them, but they simply didn’t look ready. Their stars failed to show up at times, and many from the bench didn’t play regular rotational minutes. Rookie David Roddy had his moment, but he wasn’t ready for the big stage, and neither was anyone else.
Last summer, the grizzlies pecked at the youngsters, and now they’re back to bite them in the buttocks. They are living proof that veterans are still in demand. The Grizzlies need that voice and experience not only on the field but also in the locker room to regulate the behavior of the juniors. They should be loved by the entire basketball world, but instead, they have created a negative image. Memphis should be the team no one wants to face because of their talent, not because of their big mouths and annoying comments.
General Manager Zack Kleiman, Coach Taylor Jenkins, and many players have acknowledged that this needs to change. So, this season, we should see changes in that department that include bringing in some leadership to take over until their young core is mature enough to take over. That’s not to say the Grizzlies won’t talk trash anymore; This is still part of who they are, but hopefully takes a back seat to hard work and commitment to the game.