NBA: 6 teams facing most pressure to finally win championship in 2023-24

NBA: 6 teams facing the most pressure to finally win the championship in 2023-24

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Ja Morant (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies were expected to compete for the Western Conference crown last season. Their confidence was oozing early on. Star point guard Ja Morant raised some eyebrows during a January interview conducted by ESPN’s Malika Andrews.

Andrews asked Morant if he was concerned with competing against any teams in the West. He responded with, “I’m fine in the West.” That comment rubbed some the wrong way. Some may argue that the 2023-24 Memphis Grizzles rubbed people the wrong way.

Instead, the Los Angeles Lakers sent Memphis home after the first round of last year’s playoffs. Gone are Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones. Guards Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose join the Grizzlies for the 2023-24 season in hopes of providing some much-needed veteran leadership.

The Grizzlies possess one of the deepest rosters in the league. That could change after next season. According to Spotrac, Memphis is currently projected to pay luxury tax of $45.9 million next season. Desmond Bane’s big-money extension kicks in. Will Grizzlies owner Robert Pera be willing to pay the tax for an underachieving team in a smaller market? Probably not.

It may be “win or bust” in Memphis. Changes could soon be coming.

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