The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a tough 2023-24 season, finishing 13th in the Western Conference with a 27-55 record. It was a season plagued by injuries, with the team setting an NBA record by using 33 different players and 51 starting lineups throughout the year.
The Grizzlies lost 578 total games to injury, another league record. Ja Morant missed most of the season due to suspension and injury, while other key players like Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart were also in and out of the lineup. However, with their stars expected to return fully healthy, Memphis is looking to remind the league of their potential and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Let’s take a look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Ja Morant
Reserves: Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, Yuki Kawamura
Ja Morant played in only nine games last season, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range. Morant returned from suspension only to suffer a season-ending shoulder injury.
As one of the league’s most dynamic players, Morant is eager to bounce back and re-establish himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. His off-court issues and injury troubles have impacted his status, but he is raring to prove his doubters wrong and lead Memphis back to contention.
Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and Yuki Kawamura provide depth at point guard, with each offering different skill sets. Kawamura, in particular, brings international experience and creativity to the second unit, while Pippen Jr. will look to further develop as a backup.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Marcus Smart
Reserves: Luke Kennard, Miye Oni
Marcus Smart had an injury-riddled first season with the Grizzlies after being traded from the Boston Celtics. The former Defensive Player of the Year averaged 14.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 43.0% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. Smart brings toughness and defensive intensity, qualities that were sorely missed during Memphis’ injury-plagued season. He is ready to be a key leader on both ends of the floor.
Luke Kennard, one of the league’s best three-point shooters, provides elite shooting off the bench, while Miye Oni brings additional defense and energy. Kennard’s ability to space the floor will be crucial for the Grizzlies, especially when Morant drives into the paint.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Desmond Bane
Reserves: Vince Williams, John Konchar, Maozinha Pereira, GG Jackson
Desmond Bane missed 40 games last season due to injury but still managed to have a career year, averaging 23.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 46.4% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. Bane has emerged as one of the best two-way players in the league and is a vital part of Memphis’ future. With a full offseason to recover, he will be looking to continue his growth as an elite scorer and defender.
One of the bright spots from last season was the emergence of GG Jackson, who averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in his rookie year. However, Jackson is expected to miss the first few months of the season after breaking his foot and undergoing surgery. Vince Williams and John Konchar will provide depth at small forward, while Maozinha Pereira offers an intriguing prospect with his size and versatility.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Santi Aldama
Reserves: Jake LaRavia, Jaylen Wells, Jay Huff
Santi Aldama had a solid season in 2023-24, averaging 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field. Aldama’s versatility as a stretch-four will be crucial for the Grizzlies, especially with his ability to space the floor for Morant and Bane. He will look to take another step forward this season.
Jake LaRavia, a promising young forward, adds depth at power forward, while Jaylen Wells and Jay Huff will also compete for minutes. Wells’ athleticism and ability to run the floor make him an intriguing option off the bench.
Center (C)
Starter: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Reserves: Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Armando Bacot
Jaren Jackson Jr., the former Defensive Player of the Year, had a stellar season in 2023-24, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range. Jackson continues to be the anchor of Memphis’ defense, and his shot-blocking ability is second to none. He is entering the third year of his four-year deal and is eligible for a supermax extension if he qualifies, which could result in a $318 million payday.
Zach Edey, the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, brings size and rebounding to the team and will be looking to make an immediate impact. Brandon Clarke is returning from injury and will aim to return to his pre-injury form, while Armando Bacot adds depth as a developing big man.
The Memphis Grizzlies are entering the 2024-25 season as one of the most dangerous sleeper teams in the Western Conference. With a healthy Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have one of the most talented trios in the league. The injury struggles of last season allowed younger players like GG Jackson to gain valuable experience, and now that the team is fully healthy, they are ready to remind the league of their potential.
While the Western Conference is loaded with talent, the Grizzlies will be fighting for a top spot if they can stay healthy. With Marcus Smart bringing championship experience and defensive tenacity, Memphis has the pieces to make a deep playoff run. If Morant can stay out of trouble and maintain his focus, the Grizzlies will be a force to be reckoned with in the West. Everyone is sleeping on them, but Memphis is ready to roar again.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Brooklyn Nets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Chicago Bulls Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Golden State Warriors Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Houston Rockets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
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