Grizzlies' Ja Morant Says Some Players Don't Like Him: 'That's Why I Bust They Ass'
Sep 14, 2022
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts to an official's call during the second half of Game 3 of the team's NBA basketball Western Conference playoff semifinal against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Saturday, May 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant
said players around the NBA have started to respect his game, but he noted his
willingness to talk trash in the heat of battle has rubbed some
opponents the wrong way.
Morant discussed his relationship with
fellow players Tuesday on The Pivot podcast (via ClutchPoints):
"Just because I'm me and I speak on whatever I want to and say what I'm feeling at the time that some people don't like me. So that's why I bust their ass."
Ja Morant feels like some players don't like him š
The 23-year-old Murray State product is
already building an impressive resume. He won the Rookie of the Year
Award in 2019-20 and he's coming off a campaign where he
earned his first All-Star selection while capturing the Most Improved
Player Award.
Morant averaged 27.4 points, 6.7
assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 49.3 percent from
the field in 57 games last season. He finished seventh in MVP voting.
One thing the dynamic point guard
doesn't lack is confidence.
In July, Morant told Bleacher Report's
Taylor Rooks he wanted to go up against Michael Jordan and the
dynastic 1990s Chicago Bulls.
"I would have cooked [MJ], too," he said. "Nobody got more confidence than 12. ... I'm
definitely gonna go and say nobody is gonna beat me one-on-one in
anything. I don't care what sport it is, soccer. Who the best player
in soccer? C'mon. We can play."
Morant and the Grizzlies have made
steady progress across his three seasons, going from 34 wins in his
rookie year to 56 last season, when they reached the Western
Conference Semifinals before losing to the
eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
Memphis will look to take another step
toward championship contention in 2022-23, and it wouldn't be a
surprise if Morant finishes closer to the top of the MVP race.
Goran Dragic Says Luka Doncic Is the Best Player in the World, Could Become Best Ever
Sep 13, 2022
BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 10: Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic of Slovenia during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 round of 16 match between Slovenia and Belgium at EuroBasket Arena Berlin on September 10, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Pedja Milosavljevic/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Goran DragiÄ said
the Dallas Mavericks' Luka DonÄiÄ, his teammate on the Slovenian
national team at EuroBasket 2022, is the "best player in the
world."
DragiÄ explained Monday he believes
DonÄiÄ could eventually put himself in the conversation as the
greatest basketball player of all-time, per BasketNews:
He is only 23 years old, and he is
playing like a veteran. He could score even 40 points in every game.
He plays the game at his rhythm, he is very big, he can shoot, he can
pass, he can rebound. I don't know what else we can say about Luka,
he is like...an astronaut. I think he could be [the best player in
history]. He is still very young, but if he stays healthy and plays a
long more time, I think that by the end of his career he could be the
best ever.
The 36-year-old veteran added his only
regret is that he's not a little bit younger so he could play
alongside DonÄiÄ at the peak of his powers.
"I wish I was younger so I could
play more time with him. We've only played one EuroBasket together,
this is the second one. For me, it's different. I am 36, Luka is in
his prime, but I am enjoying every moment," DragiÄ said.
DonÄiÄ is coming off a terrific
2021-22 season with the Mavericks. He averaged 28.4 points, 9.1
rebounds, 8.7 assists, 3.1 threes and 1.2 steals across 65
appearances to finish fifth in NBA MVP voting.
The 23-year-old superstar has continued
to shine at EuroBasket, putting up 28 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.5
assists per game while helping leading Slovenia to the quarterfinals.
DonÄiÄ, DragiÄ and Co. will face off
with Poland in the quarters on Wednesday. A win would set up a
semifinal showdown with either France or Italy.
As for DonÄiÄ's journey toward the
GOAT conversation, he's built an impressive resume with the 2019 NBA
Rookie of the Year Award and three All-Star selections among his
early accolades, not to mention three championships while playing for
Real Madrid in Spain.
He'll need to win some NBA MVPs and titles
before truly entering the discussion about the greatest player in
basketball history, though.
Mark Cuban: Mavericks May Rest Players or Not Participate in NBA In-Season Tournament
Sep 10, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 15: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts before Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on May 15, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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)
Mark Cuban is at least warming to the idea of the NBA holding an in-season tournament.
An old clip made the rounds showing the Dallas Mavericks governor saying he's "not a fan" of the tournament and his team may not participate in the event or may rest "our best players" because their sole focus is on trying to win an NBA championship.
Mark Cuban on NBA In Season Tournament:
"In terms of in season tournament, I'm not a fan. I can see the Mavs not participating at all or resting our best players. Until they give me one of those [The Larry O'Brien Trophy] the prize is the prize."#MFFL#NBATwitter#Dallasinpic.twitter.com/lYYEc9OPzV
After the clip took off, Cuban spoke with NBA reporter Marc Stein to say he is "actually open to" the concept of an in-season tournament because "it has a chance to build interest" in the sport.
Cuban also proposed the NBA could expand the draft to four rounds, with the team that wins an in-season tournament being rewarded with the top picks in each of the final two rounds.
Cuban, though, told me he is a proponent of expanding the NBA draft from its current two rounds to four and proposing that the winner of an NBA in-season cup gets the top pick in both the third and fourth round of an expanded draft ... with the proviso that picks can't be traded. https://t.co/XPvGVoS7bH
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported details of the current framework being used for the in-season tournament that could be implemented as soon as the 2023-24 season:
Current framework of NBA In Season Tournament as soon as 2023-24, per sources:
- Cup games through November - 8 teams advance to single-elimination Final in December; other 22 continue with regular season - All games part of normal 82-game schedule; one extra for two Final teams
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been talking about the possibility of an in-season tournament for years.
In a February interview with Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill, Silver said he thinks the tournament is "moving closer to" happening based on conversations with the National Basketball Players Association.
"And my sense is there's a fair amount of interest," he added.
Charania noted the NBA and NBPA are still working to finalize the tournament concept, including prizes for the eight teams that advance to the single-elimination round.
In September 2021, Charania reported the league was discussing a $1 million per player prize and the concept was discussed with the competition committee.
Other than a potential financial payout for players, there are no details about what teams might receive for winning an in-season tournament.
Talk of the in-season tournament concept comes as the NBA and NBPA are in the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA runs through the 2023-24 season, but both sides can opt out in December.
There doesn't appear to be any risk of a lockout even if either or both sides opt out of the collective bargaining agreement.
The NBA has done a good job of expanding the postseason in recent years with the play-in tournament. Even though those games aren't technically counted as playoff games, there is an increased sense of urgency in them because of the win-or-go-home nature of the matchups.
Trying to figure out a way to make an in-season tournament matter to teams seems like it could be the biggest hurdle to making it feel like a big deal and something that all 30 clubs will want to be part of.
NBA Rumors: Mavs, Maxi Kleber Agree to 3-Year, $33M Contract Extension
Sep 8, 2022
DALLAS, TX - MAY 8: Maxi Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at American Airlines Center on May 8, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks won 111-101. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks are giving veteran forward Maxi Kleber a new contract before the team opens training camp.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Kleber is finalizing a three-year, $33 million extension that will keep him with the Mavs through the 2025-26 season.
Kleber has spent his entire NBA career with the Mavs after spending six seasons playing professionally overseas. The German signed with the team in July 2017 and established himself as a key role player primarily off the bench.
Since the start of the 2018-19, Kleber has averaged more than 20 minutes per game in each of the past four seasons.
This marks the second extension Kleber has received from Dallas. The 6'10" power forward got a four-year, $35 million deal in July 2019 that included a team option that the Mavs exercised for this season.
There is some risk for the Mavs with this deal. Since playing a career-high 74 games in 2019-20, Kleber has missed 45 regular-season games over the past two seasons because of injuries.
Kleber will be looking for a bounce-back performance in 2022-23 after an inconsistent showing last season. He averaged 7.0 points per game and set career lows in field-goal percentage (39.8) and free-throw percentage (70.8).
The Mavericks have reasons to be optimistic about Kleber turning things around. He averaged 8.3 points per game and made 38.8 percent of his three-point attempts in 124 games from 2019-21.
Expectations are high in Dallas coming off an appearance in the Western Conference Finals last season. Luka Doncic is an established superstar and a potential MVP candidate this season.
Role players like Kleber will need to play at a high level, especially with Jalen Brunson leaving to join the New York Knicks in free agency, if the Mavs are going to meet their expectations in 2022-23.
Are Lakers Less or More Likely to Trade Russell Westbrook After Pat Bev Deal?
Aug 26, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 15: Russell Westbrook is seen as Nipsey Hussle is posthumously honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired a veteran capable of starting at the point in Patrick Beverley, is the team more or less likely to trade Russell Westbrook?
Wasn't it just a month ago when James and Westbrook sat on opposite ends of the gym at summer league, a very visible dual snubbing?
A lot has changed since mid-July. James signed a maximum extension adding two additional seasons (though he can opt out ahead of 2024-25). A run at Kyrie Irving appears to be a dead end with Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets moving "forward with [their] partnership."
The short answer is, "More." The Lakers have been trying to get out of Westbrook since before last year's trade deadline. At least now, with Beverley, they have a suitable starting point guard to replace him. L.A. can look to deal without needing a ball-handling guard in return.
Per one NBA executive, the Lakers have three remaining "obvious" partners they should pursue to make a Westbrook swap in the Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs or Utah Jazz.
The Lakers are believed to covet Myles Turner from the Pacers, giving the team additional versatility up front with Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant and Damian Jones. L.A. executive Rob Pelinka used to represent Buddy Hield and was close to acquiring the high-volume shooter last summer.
Per multiple external sources, Indiana isn't eager to part with its veteran players without significant compensation. The Lakers might be willing to give up a first first-rounder in a Westbrook swap, but two may be too much for a deal.
The Pacers' ask may depend on the other two listed teams. The Spurs still have tremendous flexibility under the salary cap, along with veterans Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. Richardson is on an expiring contract, but McDermott's $13.8 million for 2023-24 isn't appealing to the Lakers.
Los Angeles isn't believed to be interested in moving Westbrook with draft compensation for players that don't move the needle toward a championship. But nearing a deal with the Spurs might prompt the Pacers to lessen their demands, especially if they want to get out of the 2023-24 obligation to Hield at $18.6-$23.3 million (depending on incentives).
Similarly, further conversations between the Lakers and Jazz could spark the Pacers to action. Or perhaps L.A. can find value as a third team in a Utah/Donovan Mitchell blockbuster.
The Lakers might be able to improve their depth with Jazz veterans Malik Beasley, Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley and/or Rudy Gay. Some are better fits than others; some would be reluctant gets for
the Lakers. And if the New York Knicks were the team getting Mitchell, perhaps L.A. would end up with Evan Fournier or Cam Reddish. That's a bit much to speculate on, but there's a reasonable chance Utah will resolve Mitchell's situation before the season.
The price and the return will determine how likely the Lakers are to send off Westbrook in a trade. If that means waiting until the trade deadline, so be it. Interested teams may prefer Westbrook to earn half his $47.1 million contract in Los Angeles. This would reduce a trade partner's financial obligation to Westbrook after an in-season deal.
How Would Cap Space in 2023 Influence a Westbrook Deal?
The Lakers have diligently minded its cap space for the summer of 2023. Getting out of Horton-Tucker's $11 million player option could give the franchise up to $30 million in cap space. That number could rise and fall by the 2023-24 salary cap (currently projected at $133 million), a new collective bargaining agreement, their first-round pick in 2023 (the New Orleans Pelicans have swap rights) and which players they intend to re-sign.
Even if the team managed to get near $35 million in cap space, that's only enough to pay a maximum salary to players with fewer than seven years of experience. If the target is Irving as a free agent, he could earn up to a max of $46.6 million.
Will a team offer Irving that amount? That's a difficult question, but it's certainly a risk for the Lakers, with $17 million below what Irving may expect. Irving is anything but predictable. He's not the only potential free-agent target, but banking on cap space to lure the perfect player next summer may be a fool's errand.
If the Lakers and the Pacers agreed to a deal with Turner and Hield, cap room would no longer be a factor for L.A. McDermott from the Spurs would similarly decimate that flexibility.
But the Lakers should be realistic. If the goal is to win with James with two years fully promised, hoping on a half-baked cap space plan for half of that time is unwise. If there's a move to give the 2022-23 Lakers a chance to improve dramatically, cap room in 2023 shouldn't be an impediment.
In terms of sacrificing future firsts (likely 2027 and 2029), the danger is that James and Davis may be long gone by then. Los Angeles would only have first-rounders every other year. And if the team wanted to acquire its next star player via trade, the Lakers wouldn't have any future firsts available until 2031. That's only a worthwhile sacrifice if, in return, the franchise can take a clear, immediate step forward.
Acquiring Beverley should help the Lakers. He can play behind Westbrook or replace him in the starting group after a trade. Somewhere in that mess of iffy options is a solution that could lead to a Westbrook deal. In the absence, the Lakers and new head coach Darvin Ham will do their best to prove that last year's debacle can be solved in the locker room and on the court.
NBA Rumors: Rockets, Kevin Porter Jr. Both Want New Contract Before Start of Season
Aug 25, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 18: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 18, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets and Kevin Porter Jr. share a mutual interest in agreeing to a contract extension before the 2022-23 NBA season begins, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.
Porter is eligible to sign a new deal now. Otherwise, he can become a restricted free agent next offseason.
Iko wrote how the 22-year-old arrived in Houston with something to prove "on the court, where Porter was asked to switch positions to point guard, and also off the court, with personal growth and maturity."
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Porter to the Rockets in January 2021. His exit came after a reported verbal confrontation with Cavs officials in the locker room.
A similar incident unfolded in Houston this past January, with ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski reporting he left Toyota Center midway through a 124-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
In terms of his performance, Porter has delivered for Houston. He's averaging 15.9 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 41.8 percent overall and 35.7 on three-pointers through 87 games.
The 6'4" guard's potential was clear for all to see when he dropped 50 points and 11 assists on the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2lpzrN6YIk
Still, Iko posited how Porter is approaching a pivotal season, "either validating why Houston was right to give him long-term money or why the Rockets made a mistake not to."
Based on his track record, there's an obvious level of risk in extending Porter now. But there's some risk in not extending him now, too. A long-term contract will only become more costly next summer if he continues to play well.
The backcourt partnership of Porter and Jalen Green went through some expected growing pains in 2021-22. Pairing two young guards together in starting roles isn't a recipe for winning basketball in the short term. The Rockets averaged the most turnovers (16.5) in the league and were 23rd in assists (23.6) while finishing 26th in offensive rating (108.1), per NBA.com.
But it's easy to see why Houston wants to move forward with Porter as part of its foundation.
Rockets Rumors: Boban Marjanovic Not Expected to Be Released or Traded Before Season
Aug 23, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 18: Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives an NBA referee before Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on May 18, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are reportedly expected to retain Boban Marjanovic for the 2022-23 season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Rockets have no plans to trade the popular 7-footer despite having several big men on their roster. Houston acquired Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown and Wendell Moore Jr. in a trade that sent Christian Wood to Dallas earlier this offseason.
The Rockets have 19 players on their roster a month ahead of training camp, meaning they will have to pare things down by at least four players before the start of the regular season.
Marjanovic seemed he'd be near the top of the list of players likeliest to head elsewhere. He's a 34-year-old role player who is on a rebuilding team full of young players desperate to prove themselves with playing time. Moving on from Marjanovic and giving his roster spot to a younger, developmental talent makes all the sense in the world.
That said, Marjanovic is one of the best locker-room guys in the NBA. He's been a beloved figure with fans and teammates alike at every NBA stop, with his infectious personality (and, let's face it, his 7'4" height) even getting him the occasional movie role.
If the Rockets ultimately choose to keep Marjanovic around, it'll likely be because they see his mentorship as being vital in taking the roster to the next step.
Shams: Zion Williamson 'Will Be Playing' in Pelicans' Opener vs. Kevin Durant, Nets
Aug 23, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 28: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans smiles before Round 1 Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Zion Williamson "will be playing" in the New Orleans Pelicans' season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 19, as Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday:
Though the game won't be on national television, it became a more high-profile matchup after Kevin Durant agreed to remain with the Brooklyn Nets following months of trade speculation.
It will also be Williamson's first game in over 17 months after he missed the entire 2021-22 season because of a foot injury.
The forward was cleared to play without restrictions in May.
The missed time created concerns about his future with the Pelicans, but he signed a five-year designated rookie extension this offseason that could pay him up to $231 million.
The 2019 No. 1 overall pick carries lofty expectations into 2022-23. He excelled the last time he was healthy, averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field on the way to his first All-Star selection.
Williamson rejoins a team that made a late charge to the playoffs, taking the No. 1-seeded Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum can provide a lot of scoring from the perimeter, opening plenty of space for Williamson to work in the post.
Even in a deep Western Conference, the Pelicans have the talent to compete with almost anyone.
The opening matchup against the Nets could be an excellent opportunity for New Orleans to prove itself as a contender in 2022-23.
Mavericks 2022-23 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 17, 2022
DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 22, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
We're about to find out how valuable Jalen Brunson really is.
The 25-year-old left a significant void in the Dallas Mavericks' backcourt when he signed with the New York Knicks. He thrived in his first full season as a regular starter and hit a new level when the playoffs arrived.
Losing Brunson was bad enough for the Mavs. Compounding the situation is that they lacked the salary-cap space to sign a replacement and already used a first-round pick and salary filler to land Christian Wood.
As a result, Dallas might have to lean even more on Luka Doncic, who's already on pace through his first four years to have the highest usage rate (35.1 percent) in NBA history, per Basketball Reference.
Replicating a fourth-place finish in 2021-22 won't be easy for head coach Jason Kidd.
The Minnesota Timberwolves made the single most aggressive move of the offseason when they acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz.
Did the Timberwolves give up too much for the three-time All-Star? Probably. But that's the tax teams in smaller markets like Minnesota have to pay in order to get players with the Frenchman's resume.
You can't blame a franchise with two playoff appearances since 2004 for pushing in all of its chips, either, when it looks to have a roster that can be a steady postseason contender.
At the least, Gobert should raise the Timberwolves' ceiling in the regular season. The Cleveland Cavaliers also showed with Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen that super-big lineups could be a way to counteract the current tactical trends in the NBA.
The Timberwolves figure to be stiff competition for Dallas in the battle to secure a top-four seed.
The same can be said of the Denver Nuggets, which will have Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back to support two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
You don't need to wade into the analytics discourse to convey the Serb's value to Denver. He averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.5 steals and shot 58.3 percent from the field.
The Nuggets were mostly a one-man show and managed to still win 48 games and claim the sixth seed in the West.
Murray is coming off a torn ACL, and Porter's back injury is even more concerning because of what it portends for his future. Maybe neither player is the same upon returning to the court. But getting 60 percent of Murray and Porter is more than zero percent, which is what they basically combined to deliver in 2021-22. (Porter was limited to nine appearances.)
There are plenty of reasons to question the Nuggets' championship credentials, but they aren't going anywhere as a top-half team in the West.
Season Forecast
Doncic had a bit of a reality check last year when he conceded in December his preseason conditioning probably wasn't where it needed to be. Players at his level simply can't afford to cut corners when it comes to off-court preparation.
Following an uneven start, the three-time All-Star hit his stride midway through 2021-22. Here are his stats through January and then from February on:
Still, it remains to be seen whether Doncic performing at an MVP-type level for a full season will be enough for the Mavericks in 2022-23. From top to bottom, their roster may not be much better than it was last year, while others in the West are potentially on the way up.
The New Orleans Pelicans should have a healthy Zion Williamson again. The Los Angeles Clippers are immediately back to being a title threat now that they can pair Kawhi Leonard alongside Paul George. And then there's the aforementioned Timberwolves and Nuggets.
All of those teams finished below Dallas in the standings.
Because Doncic is so good, you can't take another 50-win season off the table, but the odds of the Mavericks hitting that mark might be low.
Record Prediction: 47-35
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Grizzlies 2022-23 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 17, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 7: The Memphis Grizzlies look on during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 7, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
The future is now for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Years of rebuilding the roster finally paid off in a big way last season with the Grizzlies tying a franchise record with 56 wins. They earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and won a postseason series for the first time since 2014-15.
Memphis' season came to a disappointing end against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. Grizzlies fans will spend a long time wondering what might have been in that series if Ja Morant hadn't missed the final three games because of a bone bruise in his right knee.
Boasting a young roster on the rise, general manager Zach Kleiman shied away from making drastic changes this offseason. He did trade away De'Anthony Melton to the Philadelphia 76ers for Danny Green and draft rights to No. 23 overall pick David Roddy.
The main core of the 2021-22 squad is coming back next season to lead the Grizzlies in a loaded Western Conference.
Here's a look at the schedule Memphis will face as it looks to repeat as Southwest Division champs in 2022-23.
Morant and Draymond Green got the anticipation for this game started earlier in the week when it was reported these two teams would play on Christmas Day.
Thatās the power of your voice Young! Letās goooo! Bring the fam to the crib for dinner after https://t.co/xs8GpKkQtE
Even if this were only a rematch because of their playoff series, it would be worth spotlighting because the Grizzlies and Warriors figure to be among the best teams in the NBA again.
But after their title win over the Boston Celtics, Warriors players stoked some of the flames still burning from the Grizzlies series.
Klay Thompson remembered Jaren Jackson Jr.'s "Strength in Numbers" tweet when the Grizzlies beat Golden State on March 28. He referenced it during his postgame press conference after Game 6 of the NBA Finals, nearly three months later.
The road to an NBA championship in the Western Conference still goes through Golden State.
The Grizzlies did have Golden State's number during the 2021-22 regular season, winning three of four head-to-head matchups between the two teams. If they are going to take the next step in their development, beating the reigning NBA champs is a good place to start.
New Orleans Pelicans (First Game: Nov. 15)
Every matchup between the Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans is going to start with a discussion about Morant and Zion Williamson.
Williamson was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft by the Pelicans. Morant went No. 2 to the Grizzlies.
Williamson has shown flashes of being a superstar, but injuries have limited him to just 85 games over the past three seasons. He missed the entire 2021-22 campaign with a foot injury.
Despite those injury issues, the Pelicans gave Williamson a five-year, rookie max extension worth $193 million in July.
Morant has been the best player selected in the 2019 draft. He was named to his first All-Star team last season, setting career-highs in scoring average (27.4 points per game), rebounds (5.7), field-goal percentage (49.3) and three-point percentage (34.4).
The first Grizzlies-Pelicans game this season will mark the first head-to-head matchup between Morant and Williamson since Feb. 16, 2021. New Orleans won that meeting 144-113. Williamson scored 31 points on 13-of-16 shooting with six assists.
Even though the Grizzlies still look like the best team on paper in the Southwest Division, the Pelicans could be a sleeper team in the Western Conference. Williamson's health is a huge factor in determining their ceiling, but the roster as a whole looks solid.
Brandon Ingram averaged more than 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game last season for the first time in his career. CJ McCollum brought an offensive spark down the stretch after being acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in February.
If the Pelicans want to measure themselves against the best teams in the conference, the best place to start is with the top team in their own division.
Season Forecast
The Grizzlies have the makings of a top contender in the Western Conference. Morant is on track to become a potential MVP candidate if he continues to ascend as he has in each of his first three seasons.
Jackson had the first injury-free season of his career in 2021-22. The 22-year-old responded, not coincidentally, by having his best season with 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 78 starts.
Things aren't going to start as well for Jackson in 2022-23. The Grizzlies announced on June 30 he underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot and will miss four to six months.
Given how volatile foot injuries can be, betting on Jackson to be back at the start of the season is a risky proposition. Another year of positive development from Desmond Bane and Ziaire Williams will do a lot to elevate the Grizzlies' ceiling.
Even if Memphis is better on paper next season, it wouldn't be a surprise if the team finishes with a worse record.
The West figures to be better with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George returning for the Los Angeles Clippers; Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. coming back for the Denver Nuggets; Rudy Gobert joining Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards on the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Portland Trail Blazers adding Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II to play with Damian Lillard.
In a loaded conference, the Grizzlies will have to play close to perfect basketball all year if they want to be a top three seed. They should make the playoffs without having to go through the play-in tournament, but the health of Jackson could determine how high they climb.
Record Prediction: 49-33
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