NBA: 4 non-contenders in the most enviable positions

Memphis Grizzlies

Several Western Conference teams are all-in, despite not being contenders, like the Mavericks, Lakers and Trail Blazers, and most teams that have picks and good young players such as the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Thunder, have established losing cultures that won’t be easy to turn around.

The Grizzlies have been in the play-in game each of the past two years, and have all of their own draft picks for the foreseeable future, plus two to three from other teams.

Obviously, Ja Morant is the star around which everyone on this team orbits, and his recent injury scare is a stark reminder of the perils of tying a franchise’s future to an athletic dynamo. But I am a big believer in culture, and surrounding stars with complementary young role players. Check, and check.

Two more savvy draft picks, in or out of the lottery, and a good free agent signing before Ja’s next contract in 2023, and this team will be in prime contention to take the leap.