2019-20 NBA Western Conference: Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies

Roster (17, -2 spots)

Andre Iguodala SF
Jonas Valanciunas C
Solomon Hill SF
Miles Plumlee C
Tyus Jones PG
Kyle Anderson SF
Ja Morant PG
Jae Crowder SF
Josh Jackson SF
Jaren Jackson Jr PF
Dwight Howard C
Brandon Clarke PF
Grayson Allen SG
Bruno Caboclo SF
Dillon Brooks SF
Ivan Rabb PF
De’Anthony Melton PG

Two Way Contracts

John Konchar G
Yuta Watanabe F

Starting 5

Ja Morant PG
Kyle Anderson SG
Jae Crowder SF
Jaren Jackson Jr PF
Jonas Valanciunas C

Outgoing Players(10)

Mike Conley PG (Trade UTA)
Chandler Parsons SF (Trade ATL)
Avery Bradley SG (FA, LAL)
CJ Miles SF (Trade, WAS)
Justin Holiday SG (FA)
Delon Wright PG (Trade, DAL)
Tyler Dorsey (FA)
Joakim Noah C (FA)
Jevon Carter PG (Traded PHX)
Tyler Zeller C (FA)

Incoming Players (11)

Andre Iguodala SF (Trade, GSW)
Solomon Hill SF (Trade, ATL)
Miles Plumlee C (Trade, ATL)
Jae Crowder SF (Trade, UTH)
Josh Jackson SF (Trade, PHX)
Dwight Howard C (Trade WAS)
Grayson Allen SG (Trade, UTA)
De’Anthony Melton PG (Trade, PHX)
Tyus Jones PG (FA, MIN)
Ja Morant PG (2019 draft, 2nd pick)
Brandon Clarke PF (2019 Draft, 21st pick)

2018-19 Final Regular Season Standing: 13th Western Conference (33-49)

2019-20 Predicted Regular Season Standing: 15th’ Western Conference (18-64)

Mike Conley Jr was a big part of Memphis’s 33 wins last season. He was traded this summer to Utah as Memphis has finally entered full rebuild mode, after trading center Marc Gasol last season to the Raptors for younger center Jonas Valanciunas. The Grizzlies are building around Forward Jaren Jackson Jr and Newly Drafted Point Guard Ja Morant. Andre Iguodala will likely be bought out or be traded for a younger player(s) before the season begins. Howard will likewise be bought out.

Memphis does have a decent roster for a rebuilding team. Jones and Melton are more than decent back up Point Guards. The Grizzlies are worst at SG, with Allen perhaps being the only true shooting guard, and he probably won’t play much. They do have a spate of wings, several who will find their time at the 2, like Kyle Anderson and Dillon Brooks. With Crowder, Hill, and Jackson taking time at small forward. (Iguodala if he stays) Power Forward is intriguing. Of Course Jaren Jackson Jr will start there. Ivan Rabb will get some time there too, but will also play center. Rookie Brandon Clarke will be another good piece for Memphis. The athletic forward known for his ability to block shots and his efficient shooting, will bring versatility to the lineup. Though he may see some time at the 3, expect most of his minutes to come at Power Forward behind Jaren Jackson. Valanciunas and Rabb bolster the center position with Miles Plumlee, perhaps getting some minutes.

Still, Memphis will struggle to get wins in a tougher west where most of the teams around them got better, and those ahead of them for the most part didn’t lose a step or upgraded. While it will be interesting to see how this mostly younger group fits together and looks on the court, they will take the brunt of a stacked western conference. As a rebuilding team not much will be expected of them, and while they could win more than 18 games, it will be tough for them. Most of their wins will come from lower seed teams in the both conferences. No doubt though, they will get a bite out of the apple, and get a win or two against one of the bigger fish in the pond.