The Memphis Grizzlies can do damage in the NBA Bubble Campus, but must utilize depth to secure a playoff spot

Regardless of what takes place in Orlando, the Memphis Grizzlies’ season can be considered a success. The team overcame large odds to achieve a 32-33 record so far, and when play resumes on July 30, they possess the inside track to a playoff appearance with eight contests remaining for them. 

Led by a trio of J’s in point guard Ja Morant, power forward Jaren Jackson Jr., and center Jonas Valanciunas, the team surges into the Sunshine State with the confidence of a squad determined to make noise in Orlando. Justise Winslow’s Grizzlies’ debut will take place against Portland, and there’s much to see in determining how quickly he will adapt to the system of Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins. 

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Other key contributors, such as rookie power forward Brandon Clarke, small forward Kyle Anderson, and backup point guard Tyus Jones, need to continue their production from the earlier portion of the season. Clarke found his shot from around the rim and from three-point range, as he shot over 60% from the field and nailed over 35-percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Anderson, a solid all-around player, contributed nearly 6 points and 4 rebounds per contest but may yield minutes to the more versatile Winslow. Jones, who came over from Minnesota as a free agent, has put up decent numbers as Morant’s backup. He’s put in 7 ppg. and 4 assists a game, but his mentorship of Morant remains his biggest contribution.

However, the ultimate secret weapon of the Grizzlies may be Dillion Brooks, the squad’s starting shooting guard. Brooks, coming off an injury-riddled season, gives the Grizzlies solid scoring, and at an efficient clip. He’s averaged 15 points a contest while shooting 37 percent from the 3-point line and 40 percent overall. For a 4th option, Brooks brings a lot to the table from an offensive standpoint, and his defensive anticipation certainly has improved from his rookie season two years ago. 

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Veteran power forwards Gorgui Dieng and Anthony Tolliver also need to produce for the Grizzlies to be successful, and both bring to Orlando the ability to rebound and nail the occasional three-pointer. With a lot of pieces to work with, and already being in position to make the playoffs, it’s all up to the Grizzlies. 

They’ve already exceeded expectations. It will be time to do even more on July 30th and beyond.