Ja Morant Is The Best Case Sceanrio For The Memphis Grizzles
Let’s congratulate the New Orleans Pelicans on getting Zion Williamson. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with. However, the real winners of the Draft Lottery are the Memphis Grizzlies. When you can add Ja Morant to a team that already includes Jaren Jackson Jr, you’re set for the next 15 years.
You might be saying, “but the Grizzlies have Mike Conley. Why does it make sense for them to take Morant?” It’s simple. Conley isn’t the point guard the Grizz want to build around. They tried to trade him during the trade deadline. With Morant at their fingertips, it’s a near certainty Conley gets dealt.
Last season, Memphis ranked last in total points and 29th in rebounds per game. That’s not Conley’s faulty by any means. He was the one keeping the team afloat. With Morant, the Grizzlies have a new toy to show off to the league. While Morant won’t bring Memphis to greater heights alone, he’s going to be key to starting the franchise in a new direction.
The Memphis Grizzlies struck gold with Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s got a chance to be the best player out of the 2018 rookie class. While only averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds, JJJ showcased some brilliant play before sitting the team’s final 20 games. He needs to work on consistency.
JJJ is only going to improve. He’s played with one of the NBA’s best point guards in Conley. With a year of on the job training, he’ll be ready to take on a bigger role. Now JJJ be one of the two young stars for the rebuilding Grizzlies. The Morant and Jackson duo will be a terror for teams to contain.
Getting back to Morant, there are few in Memphis that are saddened by the result of the Draft Lottery. Zion would’ve stunted the growth of Jackson. Morant is really the best case scenario. The Grizzlies were one of the team’s best suited to nab a point guard in the draft. They’ll get their man. Because of this, trading Conley might be a bit more feasible.
In addition to the potential of adding picks or players for Conley, Memphis already has some pieces to build around. We’ve mentioned JJJ, there’s also Ivan Raab and Delon Wright (assuming Memphis signs him). The two came on strong at the end of the season and can claim a starting role alongside JJJ and Morant. A starting lineup of the following would be killer.
PG- Ja Morant
SG- Delon Wright/ Tyler Dorsey
SF- Kyle Anderson
PF- Ivan Raab
C-Jaren Jackson Jr.
It might not look like much on paper, although, this lineup can do some damage. If Wright doesn’t stay with the Grizzles, Tyler Dorsey came on strong during the last two weeks of the season. If Wright does re-sign, the roster is primed to take strides. Let’s not forget the pieces the team might get for Conley or Avery Bradley. We’ll see the Grizzles back in the draft lottery next season, just with a lot more assets.
We might not observe the Grizzles higher in the standings next season, especially with the potential loss of Conley. As a move for the future, Morant is a best case scenario. The Memphis Grizzles are going to add players and draft picks, making this team a powerhouse in the future. Obtaining the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft (Ja Morant) is just the beginning of the Grizzles turnaround.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
