It wasn’t that long ago when the Memphis Grizzlies finished as the two seed in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record. In fact, that was only a year ago. It’s easy to lose sight of that because of how disastrous the 2023-24 season treated the Grizzlies. Memphis went from the two seed to a 27-55 record, missing the playoffs, and owning the seventh-best odds in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.
Injuries derailed any chance of the Grizzlies competing this year. Ja Morant played just nine games due to a suspension and a labral tear in his right shoulder. Marcus Smart, their prized offseason addition, appeared in only 20 games. Desmond Bane missed 40 of the 82 games this season. The Grizzlies wound up playing 33 different players this season because of the numerous injuries they dealt with. At least they have a lottery pick for their troubles, where they will have plenty of options at finding a new contributor to this core.
On paper, it doesn’t seem that guard is at the forefront of Memphis’ needs. Obviously, Morant is the face of their franchise and one of the best point guards in the league. Bane is one of the better combo guards the NBA has to offer too. Smart defends just about everybody but he has guard skills too. But the Grizzlies could use some more shooting (they were 29th in the NBA in three-point percentage this season and 23rd last year). They learned in 2024 how valuable depth is too. Sheppard provides both.
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