There were not a lot of people last season looking for Memphis to do anything last season. Before COVID stopped everything. They were the 8th seed in the west and were the second most disappointing team in the restart. New Orleans was the most disappointing. Roy Jones looked like he had the Zion Williamson conditioning at the bubble. That’s a discussion for another time. Ja is surrounded by good young talent in Jaren Jackson and Dillion Brooks (who almost got traded to the Suns but that trade got denied because Memphis sent the wrong Brooks.)
Ja is the focal point of the team. He called himself the “point god” BEFORE he got drafted. He is very athletic, quick, and can finish at the basket. It’s funny to me how David Fizdale got fired and in a short period of time they got better. Memphis has never had an all-star guard. Their guards have always been solid but would never take over a team. They have not had anyone with that potential since they played in Canada. Hopefully, Ja can be THE FIRST point guard that makes an all-star team in the history of the Grizzlies. Even there are no grizzlies in Memphis.
Ja’s Teammates
I know Ja is the man of Memphis. This is not Lebron on Cleveland, he actually has young talent that can also score and can defend a little bit. Jaren Jackson, he’s a good young player. He put up 17 points a game last season, and improved his three point percentage. He is just at about 40 percent from the three point line. Now because he shot so many threes, his field goal percentage dropped a little bit but it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. For a guy his size he is not a good rebounder. The life of me does not understand why. Four rebounds a game will not cut it but he will get better.
Dillon Brooks is the other key piece. He is very quiet. His game does not jump out at you as a player to watch, he is one of those guys that is reliable that can be a solid contributor. This last season was his third year in the league and his first year as a starter. He put up 16 points a game last season. His scoring took off a lot of pressure that was coming towards Ja. Look for him to make a bigger step in the year this upcoming season.
Where Do They Go?
Memphis is not ready for the playoffs. The Suns, Warriors, and Pelicans have made moves that can put them into the playoffs. They are missing a few veteran pieces as well as a consistent starting caliber small forward. That would really help the Memphis Grizzlies. They need someone to at least try to somewhat contain Brandon Ingram, Lebron James, Kawhi, Michael Porter Jr, and all those other guys in the west.
Memphis is a good team that has a bright future. They play really smart basketball. Lead by Ja, he truly puts the is in Memphis.
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