Mateo Mayorga

Mateo Mayorga

Joined: Nov 3, 2025

Mateo has covered the Miami Heat and the NBA since 2020, including the 2020 Finals through Zoom and the 2023 Finals in person. He also writes for Five Reasons Sports Network about the WNBA and boxing, and can be read at SB Nation’s Pounding the Rock for coverage on the San Antonio Spurs. Twitter: @MateoMayorga23

Apr 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Lisalo yells to his team during a play in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Apr 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Lisalo yells to his team during a play in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) and guard/forward Nikolas Khamenia (14) celebrate during a college basketball exhibition game against Tennessee and Duke on October 26, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) takes part in the rookie dance challenge during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.

Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

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An easy night at the office for a talented young Memphis Grizzlies group in Las Vegas

Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Javon Small (10) against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Javon Small, the 23-year-old who played 42 games for the Grizzlies last season, was the team’s best player in a summer league victory

Grizzlies Cedric Coward (23) and GG Jackson (45) watch the introductory press conference for the team’s 2026 NBA Draft picks at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on June 25, 2026.

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Cedric Coward and Cameron Boozer didn't have their best nights in summer league

Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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There were more highs than lows for Cedric Coward and the Grizzlies in a summer league win

Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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Ja Morant was the face of the Grizzlies for a while, but now they have a chance to reset

Dec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) passes the ball to forward Cedric Coward (23) as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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Zach Edey's second season was a disaster, being limited to 11 outings because of injuries, and now he’s recovering from a second ankle surgery.

Mar 21, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant stands on the court following the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

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There are lessons to be taken from the Spurs' rebuild that the Memphis Grizzlies can take for their own

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Ty Jerome was not a bad signing by the Memphis Grizzlies, but the organization is in a different place now.

Jan 15, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

There is one guy who has comparable size to Victor Wembanyama: Zach Edey, which emphasizes Edey's importance to the Memphis Grizzlies going forward

Zach Kleiman, Grizzlies president and general manager of basketball operations, listens during a press conference to introduce the team’s 2024 NBA Draft picks at FedExForum on Friday, June 28, 2024.

It was a very good day at the NBA draft lottery for the Memphis Grizzlies and now the future looks bright

Jan 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Smith-Imagn Images

Luckily for the Memphis Grizzlies, they have quality assets, but here's what needs to happen for them to turn it around quickly.

Jan 31, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

This looks like a lost season, but the Memphis Grizzlies still have work to do in the final stretch