The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up their season with a 27-55 record, navigating through a series of challenges. Despite the setbacks, there were notable positive takeaways from their journey.
In Monday's exit interviews, Derrick Rose summed up the season in one phrase.
"You got to see beauty in everything," Rose said,
It was hard to find beauty in the Grizzlies' losing season, but one positive is that Memphis will have a high draft pick. General manager Zach Kleiman says that even if Memphis moves up in the draft, they will either trade the pick or take the best player available. A big man next to Jaren Jackson Jr. is a significant need, but whether he will be found in the draft or free agency is still to be determined.
“I envision that will at least add a big," Kleiman said. "Probably a big that would be part of the rotation. Whether that is a starting big or a rotational big I don’t know. I think we have some work to do on the roster there definitely.”
With core players such as Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jackson Jr. set to return, the Grizzlies aspire to elevate their performance to championship levels.
"I think we can do it (win a championship) next season," Morant confidently said. "Honestly, God willing and everybody stays healthy."
Morant is on track to be fully cleared for basketball activities halfway through the offseason. There is hope on the horizon for the No. 12 pick, but this season was plagued with his suspension and a season-ending shoulder surgery. Morant says Rose has been instrumental in his recovery.
"I've never had an injury that sidelined me for the entire season, and he had a couple. So having him there to guide me through this process has been significant," Morant said.
Improvise, adapt, and overcome was the theme of the Grizzlies' season. An NBA-high 33 players have suited up for the Grizz. With 13 players sidelined at various points in the season, certain young players like GG Jackson took significant steps forward.
The rookie participated in 48 games for Memphis, averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds per game. Jackson demonstrated his true potential and set a new career-high in points with 44 on the final day of the season. It all stems from the promise he made to Kleiman on draft night last year.
"I still remember that call I received on draft night. I told him, 'I promise I won't let you down. You did not make the wrong pick.' Thankfully, God worked through me, and it showed out there on the court," Jackson said.
The next significant date for the Grizzlies is the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12th. Memphis is projected to receive the sixth pick in the draft.