Game Preview: Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies

What’s that special feeling simmering about in the air, Grizzlies fans? You know it; it’s the best time of the year – the start of a brand-new Memphis Grizzlies’ basketball season, freshly gift-wrapped in the form of the preseason, an 82-game regular season, and (hopefully) a deep playoff run that concludes with an epic hoist of the ever-shining Larry O’Brien Championship trophy during an extravagant parade down Beale Street.

It all starts this Sunday evening as the Memphis Grizzlies welcome the Indiana Pacers into the FedEx Forum for the first of four preseason games the team will play before the NBA regular season kicks off in late October. 

A new season brings about new storylines, so let’s dive in: 

The Final Starting Spot

There is a heated training camp battle currently underway to determine who will occupy the starting small forward spot for the first 25 games of the regular season. Early news out of the Grizzlies’ media day this past week appears to indicate that Ziaire Williams could be primed to take a leap that entrenches him in that main spot at the three and brings him closer to showcasing his potential that made him a top-ten pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Williams reiterated during his media day availability that after a disappointing sophomore season, he spent the past summer laser-focused on building strength, adding to his offensive game, and sharpening his defensive acumen. In his own words, the former Stanford Cardinal posits that no one has worked harder than him.

Number 8 has set ambitious goals for himself this upcoming season, one of which is achieving a spot on the premier NBA All-Defensive Team. Williams’ commitment to transforming himself has been affirmed by Coach Taylor Jenkins and Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom have praised his workhorse mentality and increased precision defensively. 

Sunday’s matchup against the Pacers will be Ziaire Williams’ first opportunity to put his words to the test. Nonetheless, Williams will have plenty of competition, as Luke Kennard, David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, and John Konchar are all expected to be in consideration for the final starting slot come the season opener.

Expect Taylor Jenkins to experiment with multiple starting lineups and rotations at the small forward position, starting with this first preseason showing, in order to determine the best fit moving forward. 

New Grizzlies’ Generals

Superstar point guard Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games of the regular season, and the question that remains is who will fill the void in his absence? The first answer would be Marcus Smart, acquired in a three-way off-season trade between the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards.

However, Marcus Smart missed the Memphis Grizzlies’ open practice held yesterday due to abdominal soreness, an injury the Grizzlies hold will not keep Smart out of any regular season action. It is to be determined just how much this injury keeps Smart from appearing in Grizzlies’ preseason action.

Next up is Derrick Rose, the Grizzlies’ newest offseason acquisition, who previously suited up for the New York Knicks. Rose is, of course, a familiar face in Bluff City, having spent his collegiate years with the Memphis Tigers. 

In the wake of this Marcus Smart news, Derrick Rose and Jacob Gilyard are the remaining point guards on the Grizzlies’ roster who are capable of running the Memphis offense in the preseason. Taylor Jenkins has not yet divulged how he plans to divvy up the point guard minutes in the first 25 games of the season sans Ja Morant, but this preseason action should serve as a barometer for the start of NBA action.

Grizzlies fans are eager to know just how much hometown hero Derrick Rose will play a part in this Grizzlies offense as a late addition. More should be uncovered at the start of preseason action this evening. 

A New-Look Memphis Grizzlies Offense

There’s no question that the Memphis Grizzlies have had their fair share of struggles in the halfcourt. Last season, the Grizzlies finished middle of the pack in offensive rating and halfcourt offense. At exit interviews, Taylor Jenkins vowed a new approach in the 2023-24 season, promising a thorough re-examination of personnel and system deficiencies in the hopes of constructing a diverse Grizzlies’ offensive system.

Fans will get their first look at a reformed offense at the commencement of preseason action. With new faces, both on the roster and the coaching staff, there is no question that the Memphis Grizzlies are in a state of reformation.

Expect Taylor Jenkins to work with a variety of offensive plays and lineups never before seen in the preseason in order to figure out the optimal Grizzlies offensive scheme.

It’s an all-new Memphis Grizzlies season with new hopes and dreams. Get excited because tonight is the start of something new.