Memphis Grizzlies Media Day Takeaways

The Memphis Grizzlies media day is officially over, and now it is time for the real work to begin for the team. Due to Ja Morant’s impending 25-game suspension to start the regular season, he was not made available to speak with the media. However, Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman mentioned that Morant can practice and travel with the team while on suspension, which is great news for both the Grizzlies and Ja. His presence with the team will help keep him and the team connected as he works his way back. There are a plethora of other topics that were discussed at media day, too, so here are some of the key takeaways:

Injury Status for Bane, Adams, and Clarke

Zach Kleiman opened up media day by updating the status of some of the team’s top rotational players who are recovering from either injuries suffered late last season (Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke) or off-season surgery from an injury suffered early last season (Desmond Bane). Kleiman mentioned that Desmond Bane is a “full-go” and Steven Adams is cleared to play, but the team will be conservative as they ramp up his process. Adams himself mentioned that he spent the summer building to get his knee right as he recovered from the January injury, and he is ready to go to start this season.

As for Clarke, Kleiman mentioned that he is making strides in his recovery from his Achilles tear in March. Additionally, he had a cleanup surgery on his Achilles in the middle of the offseason as the medical staff felt that would help him have the best long-term outcome for recovery. Kleiman said that if he was able to return this season, that would be great, but he would not be rushed.

Competition for the starting Small Forward position

As is already known, when Ja Morant returns from his 25-game suspension, he will be the starting Point Guard along with Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams. Before that time comes, there is a glaring hole in the starting lineup. Marcus Smart will occupy the starting Point Guard position, as he has done with the Boston Celtics in the previous two seasons, along with Bane at Shooting Guard and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams in the frontcourt at Power Forward and Center, respectively. Therefore, the position of need will be the Small Forward/additional wing spot.

Coach Taylor Jenkins mentioned that he will utilize different starting lineups throughout training camp and the preseason to figure out what works best and who is the best fit to fill that void. It is safe to say that the competition for that starting position will be between Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, and even Santi Aldama, who started a game at Small Forward last season and mentioned his versatility between playing positions 3 through 5 (Small and Power Forward and Center).

Coach Jenkins mentioned that he is looking for someone who makes defense a priority, first and foremost, for that starting position, as well as someone who can make the right reads and knock down open shots on offense. Also, Coach Jenkins spoke to Ja Morant about how he will integrate him in those lineups as he will be able to participate in practice, but he needs to find a starter to begin the season, so Ja will be mixed in with the second and third team groups throughout training camp.

Team Maturation

Zach Kleiman made a statement this offseason with the additions of Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose that veteran leaders were badly needed on this team. Taylor Jenkins mentioned that he believes the leadership style of Marcus Smart will be a seamless fit with the tone that he sets and the energy he brings to practice. Marcus Smart mentioned that he will continue to be authentic with his leadership style and that he will always keep it real with what is expected. He expects others to check him when needed, too.

Derrick Rose mentioned that he is not here to “babysit” or “steal anybody’s minutes or job.” He is here to help the team win and show that he still has some game left in the tank, but he will push Morant and the team and let them know to calm down if they get reckless on the court. Both Rose and Smart said they are looking forward to working with the team and Morant to accomplish their goal of winning an NBA Championship.

Improved Three Point Shooting

It is no secret that the Memphis Grizzlies have two of the best three-point shooters in the NBA (Luke Kennard and Desmond Bane), yet the team ranked 23rd in three-point percentage last season, shooting just 34.8%. That stat is skewed, as the Grizzlies shot 34.5% before they traded for Luke Kennard in February and increased that percentage to 38.9% with him on the team, which would have been the best in the NBA if it were maintained across an entire season.

Kennard and Bane both mentioned their various competitions this off-season to determine who is the best shooter, with Bane claiming that Luke is down in that competition. Jake LaRavia joined in on the fun with his mention of him being one of the “best shooters in the galaxy” and his claim of beating Bane in some competitions as well. If Jake LaRavia, who was drafted to be a high-volume shooter, can become the third sniper for this team, the sky really could be the limit for this team’s ceiling in the shooting department.

Defensive Versatility

Defense will always be the calling card of this team, and Coach Jenkins continuously mentioned that as a priority when setting his lineups. The addition of Marcus Smart, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, to pair with last season’s Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr. sets high expectations for a team that was already one of the NBA’s best in that department (top three in Defensive Rating last season). Marcus Smart stated that they believe they can be one of, if not the best, defensive team in the NBA this season. Also, Smart mentioned that he is looking forward to helping Jaren Jackson Jr. stay out of foul trouble. Expect more of the same from the Memphis Grizzlies on the defensive side of the ball this season as they embark on becoming the NBA’s best.

What’s Next?

The Memphis Grizzlies officially begin training camp practice on Tuesday, October 3rd. An Open Practice will be available for the fans to attend for free on Saturday, October 7th at 1 PM at the FedExForum before the Grizzlies host their first preseason game on Sunday, October 8th at 7 PM against the Indiana Pacers. The new season is here, Grizz Nation; let the fun begin!