NBA: Wrap around 2023-24 season primer for all 30 teams

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Lauri Markkanen (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Utah Jazz

Starting Lineup

Collin Sexton
Jordan Clarkson
Lauri Markkanen
John Collins
Walker Kessler

Key Bench Players

Keyonte George
Ochai Agbaji
Talen Horton-Tucker
Taylor Hendricks

Season Overview: The Utah Jazz came out of the gates hot last year and then ended up on the outside looking in. For the most part, I don’t really know what to make of this team. John Collins is a good player, but I am not sure where he fits in with Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson can light up the stat sheet, but I don’t know if they’re able to do so on a consistent basis.

The Jazz should be able to pull off the occasional upset here and there, but they will most likely miss the playoffs again. If they get off to a slow start and Keyonte George is able to see action don’t be surprised to see him in Rookie of the Year conversations.

Memphis Grizzlies

Starting Lineup

Ja Morant
Marcus Smart
Desmond Bane
Jaren Jackson Jr
Xavier Tillman

Key Bench Players

Derrick Rose
Luke Kennard
Brandon Clarke

Season Overview: Ja Morant will miss the first quarter of the season, but once he returns this will be one of the best teams in the league. Dillon Brooks left, but they were able to acquire Marcus Smart. Smart should be able to change the attitude in the locker room while not angering other teams in post game press conferences.

Even without Morant, the Grizzlies should be near the top of the standings in the West. The loss of Steven Adams will hurt, and if Brandon Clarke is unable to return later in the year then their depth will be tested, but they will still be a tough out come playoff time.

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