The Grizz have battled injuries and team turmoils for the past few seasons. Can they finally rise back up?

The Memphis Grizzlies were swept in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder, capping a historic season. While losing to the champs is no shame, the sweep and repeated late-game collapses made it a bitter exit.

With a handful of changes made over the past months, though, we’ll see how the Grizzlies fare.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Grizzlies made a big move this offseason, trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for veteran 3-and-D specialist Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first-round picks. While the trade was clearly about stockpiling assets, KCP could prove to be a better on-court fit, offering shooting and perimeter defense without needing the ball as much as Bane did. 

Big guard Ty Jerome was also added, a steady backup option who’s coming off a quietly productive year in Cleveland. Though technically not new, Tuomas Iisalo enters his first full season as head coach after taking over for the final nine games last year. Known for his structured offensive sets and defensive discipline, Iisalo brings a fresh tactical approach that could reshape how the Grizzlies play on both ends.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

Health and durability remains the defining storyline for Memphis. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.–the franchise cornerstones–have both struggled to stay on the floor, and that uncertainty clouds their ceiling. Morant has missed a staggering 151 games over the last four seasons, while Jackson Jr. is expected to be sidelined until at least early December after foot surgery. The concern doesn’t end there – promising forward GG Jackson has flashed real upside but has also battled durability issues, missing 87 games in his first two years. With that much talent constantly unavailable, the question isn’t whether Memphis has the pieces, it’s whether they’ll actually share the court long enough to matter.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Morant and JJJ naturally lead the list, but the Grizzlies’ true difference-makers might come from deeper in the roster. Santi Aldama continues to grow into a reliable frontcourt contributor, capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. Ty Jerome’s poise as a big, serviceable reliever PG gives Memphis a safety valve when Morant sits. 

Among the younger names, GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. both bring athleticism and scoring flashes that could turn into consistent production if health cooperates. Of course, you can’t overlook Jaylen Wells who’s coming off an impressive rookie year – his growth could give Memphis the depth it’s lacked during its injury-riddled stretch.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

There’s still plenty of reason to believe in Memphis. A healthy Ja Morant is one of the most electric forces in basketball, and after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons, he should be eager to remind everyone of that. The addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gives the team a seasoned veteran with championship pedigree and defensive grit, exactly the kind of influence this young roster needs. But optimism always comes with caution in Memphis. 

The health of Morant and Jackson Jr. remains the team’s biggest variable, and if either one spends extended time on the sidelines again, the Grizzlies could find themselves right back in the middle of the pack.