Zach Kleiman on Ja Morant, 2023 Draft, Offseason Ahead

The 2023 draft is now in the books, and while the Grizzlies simply staying put and selecting players is a rare occurrence, that is exactly what the did with the 45th pick and 56th pick on Thursday night. The picks were GG Jackson and Tarik Biberovic, with the plans for Jackson to sign a two-way with the Grizzlies and Biberovic to be a draft and stash option for the future. With both selected players unlikely to make immediate impact for the team, perhaps the biggest takeaways of the night were from Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman in his annual post draft press conference.

Kleiman touched on many subjects, including Ja Morant, reported transactions the Grizzlies were looking to complete this week, Jackson, the NBA Summer league, and the rest of the offseason.

On Ja Morant – The franchise was obviously disappointed with the second social media incident that occurred this offseason, and felt the 25-game suspension from the NBA was appropriate. Morant, the Grizzlies, the NBA, and the NBAPA are all in active communication in regards to steps forward. If there was one clear message from Kleiman last night, “It’s on Ja” for things to move in the right direction with “….no room for steps back.”

Kleiman stated that “there is no strain on the relationship” between the franchise and Morant and that “Ja is thrilled to be in Memphis.” However, many steps must be taken to move on on from recent events and that a high standard is expected to be kept. The franchise will give Ja every opportunity to move on and move forward as time progresses. As for Morant’s involvement with the franchise, at this time, he can do individual conditioning and normal medical checkups.

On GG Jackson– Kleiman was very candid in regards to GG Jackson, saying that Jackson was not happy with how his freshman season in college went. However, the Grizzlies like Jackson’s positivity and work ethic, and feel he is motivated to make the most of this opportunity. The franchise feels he is “incredibly skilled for a player of his size”, and they will provide a path for him to develop his game. This likely includes playing on a two-way contract next season, along with playing in the NBA Summer League and in Southaven for the Memphis Hustle.

On Reported Transactions From Earlier in Week – At the time of Kleiman’s presser, he could not directly speak on the Grizzlies acquisition of Marcus Smart on Wednesday night. The trade become official around 30 minutes after the press conference concluded. However, in regards to the reason why Memphis made the move, Kleiman discussed a desire for defensive versatility, more playmaking, and a veteran presence. Kleiman also mentioned that the move could help unlock better lineup combinations, with the result hopefully being better efficiency in the playoffs.

On the Offseason Ahead – Kleiman mentioned that the Grizzlies came into last night looking to acquire players that they could either put on two-way contacts or stash, with a focus being on leaving the remaining roster spot open. As for further offseason transactions, Kleiman does not expect any “groundbreaking” or any type of major swing in terms of roster moves. The Grizzlies really like the balance on their roster.

Kleiman did suggest they will continue to explore opportunities in regards to filling the open roster spot. He also mentioned that the Grizzlies are willing to spend, and that the franchise is lucky to have an owner in Robert Pera who is open to spending what is needed to pursue a title.

On Summer League – Finally, Kleiman discussed the NBA Summer League. Players who are expected to play in the NBASL include: David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, Kenneth Lofton Jr., Vince Williams, GG Jackson, and Jacob Giyard. Others will obviously be added to the roster in time. Kleiman also detailed that the Grizzlies are happy with where Laravia, Roddy, and others are in terms of development and excited to see what Summer League action brings.

As can be seen, Kleiman covered many topics in regards to where the Grizzlies are currently, and where they want to be moving ahead. The franchise continues to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a title, and are happy with where their roster is. As time progresses, the hope is that strong development and the desire to thrive in the playoffs will continue to help the team evolve.