The Memphis Grizzlies have been on the rise over the last couple of seasons. They appear to be a disgruntled superstar away from an NBA title.
Over the past couple of seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies have slowly begun an ascension in the Western Conference. At nearly the midway point of this season, the Grizzlies are 23-13, sitting in the second seed of the Western Conference, and are just one game out (in the loss column) of the top seed.
While there is a belief that the Memphis Grizzlies could represent the West in the NBA Finals, there are also some questions about whether this team has enough star power to be successful deep in the playoffs.
Throughout the history of the NBA, the teams with the most star power are generally the ones that are most successful deep in the playoffs. The last three NBA champions – the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers – all were led by superstars. And the same could be said about nearly every other champion in league history.
Superstars run this league and shine the brightest in the playoffs. And for as good as Ja Morant is for the Grizzlies, if there’s one thing we learned about this team is that he needs help. Especially going up against the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Warriors, and LA Clippers in the West.
The Grizzlies have some up-and-coming stars such as Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr., but you can’t help but think how good this team would look with a more established star next to Morant.
Shams Charania gave light to this recently in which he said that the Grizzlies are primed to be the next landing spot for a disgruntled superstar.
It’s not insane to say that the Grizzlies are an established star – or a disgruntled star – away from an NBA championship.
Possible stars that could emerge as ideal fits in Memphis
In this market, in which there’s a new star available nearly every half-season, it would be wise for the Grizzlies to keep their eyes out for the next one that tries to wiggle free. Considering that we haven’t seen one make a trade demand since the offseason, the perfect storm for the Grizzlies could be coming soon.
A few names that many around the league have suggested could be on the move next are DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Trae Young, Bradley Beal, OG Anunoby, or Draymond Green. And perhaps others.
The beauty of the NBA transaction is that there’s always a disgruntled star that seems to come out of left field. And when it does happen, the Grizzlies will be in an ideal position to pounce.
The Grizzlies may be on the verge of a deep playoff run, but if they want to reach consensus championship contender status they still may be a transaction away. This is the difficult part for the front office now. Putting the finishing touches on a championship-level roster. Can they finish the job?