NBA: What each team should be hoping for heading into the 2022 calendar year

Warriors- Suns (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Warriors- Suns (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)

Memphis Grizzlies: Recognition

Hey, uh. Y’all know the Grizzlies are fourth in the West right now? And don’t have many teams nipping on their heels? We saw them scrape by in the play-in and ultimately falter to one of the best-run teams in the sport. Do not let them get a high seed in the playoffs, that’s your warning.

Which, of course, means good times in Memphis. Ja Morant has returned from injury and looks as electric as ever. The roster that excelled in his absence is still there. Sure, you could hope for a trade for a superstar or something but I wouldn’t mess with their chemistry in-season.

Instead, let’s get some recognition. Ja needs himself an All-Star bid. Exec of the year? Desmond Bane can’t win MIP in his second season, can he? Not if you don’t hope for it.

Miami Heat: Health

The Miami Heat have had an excellent season thus far. 23-13 and fourth in the East. Hard-nosed defense, specifically built to battle with the reigning champs. Jimmy Butler has just returned to the team, but Bam Adebayo remains out with his elbow injury.

With Kyle Lowry catching his groove and Tyler Herro maintaining his torrid pace, the Heat should be hoping for health as they continue their resurgent season.