The Grizzlies are the biggest darkhorse NBA title contender

On By Littum

Although Ja Morant (10), Desmond Bane (seven) and Marcus Smart (10) have missed quite a few games so far, the Grizzlies have stayed afloat with an impressive 12-7 record. And now that they’re almost healthy and whole again, Memphis is firing on all cylinders.

In their running four game winning streakThe Grizzlies are averaging 128.3 points and 33.3 assists on a 52/42/77 shooting split. Head coach Taylor Jenkins’ team has scored in droves after selection, with as many as eight players averaging in double figures.

The rise of Scotty Pippen Jr. as a backup point guard and scorer has given Memphis a strong four-man guard rotation and a host of quality bigs like Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

The Grizzlies are somewhat undersized on the wings, but Jekins’ decision to start Jackson and Clarke — two versatile big men — has allowed the perimeter defense to shift. While Jaylen Wells has made the three spot his own, Memphis could eventually start Bane at small forward if they go with Morant and the Smart backcourt.

Because of all the injuries, Jenkins has spent up to 10 different starting devices already, but it looks like he’ll be trotting Jackson, Clarke, Wells, Bane and Morant for now, with Smart coming off the bench. That unit has been excellent in its limited time together, especially on defense. One of the deepest and most talented teams in the NBA, the Grizzlies have the luxury of bringing Smart, Aldama, Edey, Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard and other quality role players off the bench.

Memphis checks every box for a title contender. It boasts the superstar go-to option, two former Defensive Player of the Year winners, multiple playmakers, shooters and a deep bench. Its 25-year-old defensive ace, Jackson Jr., is enjoying a career year as a scorer and leads the team in points.

It’s easy to forget that this team won more than 50 games in two consecutive seasons before their injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign. Morant and Co. were next in line in the West, but were put on the back burner for some of their own business. The Grizzlies look to announce themselves again.