2025-26 NBA Guide- Memphis Grizzlies

They Could’ve Done More

The Memphis Grizzlies were one of the most puzzling teams to evaluate last NBA season. On paper, they finished with a solid 48–34 record in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, just two games behind the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (50 wins).

Yet, when facing tougher competition, Memphis struggled posting a disappointing 16–26 record against teams above .500. Their collapse in March ultimately cost head coach Taylor Jenkins his job. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo took over as interim head coach and managed to guide the team into the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament.

Individually, the year was just as uneven. Ja Morant had a frustrating season, battling injuries and failing to reach his usual explosive standard. Desmond Bane saw a slight dip in scoring but became a more complete player, showing improved playmaking and durability. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. arguably had the best season of his career. He earned an All-Star selection and once again contending for Defensive Player of the Year, while also taking meaningful steps forward offensively.

Despite flashes of brilliance, the Grizzlies lacked consistency. They entered the playoffs as the eighth seed and were swiftly swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who went on to win the NBA title.

Desmond Bane Said Goodbye to Memphis

It was clear that something had to change. The core of Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. had grown stagnant and expensive. The front office pulled the trigger on a major move, sending Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony (later waived), and four first-round picks.

The trade gave Memphis two key benefits, a proven two-way veteran in KCP and valuable draft capital to reshape the roster long-term. It also offered much-needed salary-cap flexibility, allowing the Grizzlies to plan more aggressively for future offseasons.

In addition, the team re-signed Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr., while also bringing in Ty Jerome, one of the league’s most reliable backup guards last season. Jerome’s ability to shoot and space the floor should complement Morant well, easing the playmaking burden on the star guard.

During the draft, Memphis moved up to select Cedric Coward, a defensive-minded wing who also shows promise as a spot-up shooter. Coward should be able to contribute immediately as a versatile defender and occasional floor-spacer, while developing into a more complete offensive threat in the years ahead.

Grizzlies Still Have a Shot in the West

Heading into 2025–26, Memphis appears ready to bounce back. The roster may be less star-studded than in previous years, but it’s deeper and more balanced. Plus, coach Tuomas Iisalo finally has an entire offseason to install his system and build continuity with the team.

If Ja Morant can stay healthy and rediscover his top form, the Grizzlies could very well improve on last year’s campaign. Still, they remain a tier below the Western Conference elite. However, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers currently hold a higher competitive ceiling.

High Expectations for Ja Morant

The spotlight will once again fall squarely on Ja Morant. After back-to-back disappointing years, a suspension and major injury in 2023–24, followed by an inconsistent and injury-laden 2024–25, Morant must re-establish himself as one of the league’s elite guards.

In games where Morant scores 25 or more points, Memphis holds an impressive 78–45 record. If he can regain his explosiveness and stay on the floor, his return to peak form could be the spark that pushes the Grizzlies back into contention.

Concerns Loom Over Team’s Health and Availability

Ultimately, Memphis’ biggest problem in recent seasons hasn’t been talent, it’s been availability. When healthy, the Grizzlies have consistently posted one of the best records in the Western Conference.

However, long-term absences from Morant and Jackson Jr. have derailed any sense of continuity. If both stars, along with the supporting cast, can finally stay on the court, there’s no question the Grizzlies have what it takes to compete for a top-six playoff spot without relying on the Play-In.