Are Memphis Grizzlies Title Contenders In Western Conference?

Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Analysis Network

The Memphis Grizzlies came into the season as a young team on the rise. They clinched an NBA postseason berth last season and took one game from top-seeded Utah in round one. The Grizzlies were expected to improve slightly this season but have taken big steps. Are they big enough to consider Memphis a title contender?

So far, the Grizzlies are hanging around in the West. They are right in the mix at 20-14 and could only continue to improve. Let’s take a look at the levels of Memphis when making this decision.

The Memphis Grizzlies have Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. proving star power. Morant was on a tear to begin the season before suffering a knee injury. He has returned to action and is still scoring at a high rate.

Morant has played in 22 games is is scoring 23.3 points per game to go with 6.9 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been healthy. This has been the key for the big man. He has missed just one game this season and is putting up 16.6 points per night. Jackson Jr. will continue to take the next step on both ends. He is averaging 1.8 blocks a night.

LATEST NBA NEWS: NBA Film Room: How Memphis Grizzlies Kept Winning Without Ja Morant

The star power is there. Next, we look for depth and role players. We have to begin with Desmond Bane. Coming into the league, the scouting report labeled Bane as one of the best shooters in his draft class. Well, he is proving that to be correct. Bane has started all 34 games this season and is scoring 16.7 points per contest. Bane is shooting an eye-opening 42% from beyond the arc on 6.6 attempts.

Kyle Anderson has come off the bench this season and continues to provide depth. Tyus Jones is another depth piece in the backcourt. Jones started 12 games this season while Morant was out with an injury and shined. Depth and star power are off the board. Now, we look at veteran presence.

LATEST NBA NEWS: NBA Film Room: How Memphis Grizzlies Kept Winning Without Ja Morant

This is where Steven Adams comes into play. Memphis moved Jonas Valanciunas in the offseason and Adams is his replacement. He has not missed a game this season and brings toughness and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. This was a great move for Memphis. Adams is not scoring much, just 6.9 points per game, but he grabs 8.9 rebounds and is a defensive anchor.

The pieces are there for Memphis to continue to improve. The question is, are they championship contenders? That might not be the case just yet but things change rapidly in the NBA.

The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have been the class of the league so far. The Jazz have been steady in third and fourth—the Memphis Grizzlies. The Los Angeles squads continue to struggle as the Clippers are without Kawhi Leonard. The Lakers are not right at the moment because of the strange fit that Russell Westbrook has been. The Denver Nuggets have missed Jamal Murray as well.

LATEST NBA NEWS: NBA Film Room: How Memphis Grizzlies Kept Winning Without Ja Morant

This has given the Grizzlies a chance to cement themselves in the top half of the conference. When looking at the levels on the team, they have a chance to remain there if all goes right.

Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. must remain healthy. If they do, the sky is the limit for the Memphis Grizzlies in a few years. This particular season, it is hard to imagine Memphis competing with the Phoenix Suns or Golden State Warriors but at this point, it would be disappointing if the team did not make the postseason. Once they are in, anything is possible.

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