Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: 5 teams that could make a big jump in 2018-19

By Chris Murch

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 07: Marc Gasol #33 and Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies walk off the floor during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 7, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 07: Marc Gasol #33 and Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies walk off the floor during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 7, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies

2017-18 Record: 22-60

Key Offseason Acquisitions: Kyle Anderson, Omri Casspi, Garrett Temple, Jaren Jackson Jr.

Losses from 2017-18: Ben Mclemore, Tyreke Evans, Deyonta Davis

NBA fans tend to have some of the shortest memories of any fans in any sport. People are quick to forget that the Memphis Grizzlies, just one season ago, were a playoff team. A consistent Western Conference playoff team at that. A team that, prior to getting absolutely decimated by injuries in 2017-18, had been to the playoffs seven straight seasons. A team that still has their two best players from most of those playoff runs in Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

The 2017-18 season was a disappointment for the Grizzlies, but it wasn’t entirely their fault. After season-ending injuries to Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons early on, the Grizzlies realized that making a run for the playoffs wasn’t in the cards. For the rest of the season, they gave big minutes to guys like Tyreke Evans (who played very well) but also guys like rookie Dillon Brooks, JaMychal Green, Jarrell Martin and Ben Mclemore. Essentially, they tanked after knowing their season was shot.

It was a smart move for them. Landing the fourth pick and grabbing Jaren Jackson Jr., potentially the draft’s best two-way player, was great for them. Also, picking up future Conley replacement, Jevon Carter, in the second round was a good move. They also got to develop their younger players, like Brooks, and allow them to get real NBA minutes and get better within the Memphis system.

Adding guys like Kyle Anderson and Omri Casspi in free agency and Garrett Temple via trade, gives the Grizzlies veterans who know how to put the ball in the hole and play within an offense. Along with getting a fresh Mike Conley back and a rejuvenated Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies look to be back within the Western Conference playoff picture.

This pick on this list could be the most volatile knowing how injury prone some of their players are and how tough the Western Conference is. However, with many players who have deep playoff experiences and good scoring all around, I look for the Grizzlies to drastically improve upon their 22 wins from last season.

Home/NBA News