The Grizzlies overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls to move their record to 2-1 in the 2024 NBA preseason. Adding to the expected absences of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart were Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, and Luke Kennard due to rest.
Brandon Clarke returned but didn’t get the start and only played 13 minutes as the team rolled with the starting lineup of Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, Jaylen Wells, Jake LaRavia, and Zach Edey. What followed was a mixed bag but the team’s performance did spark some intrigue from their 2024 draft picks.
Stud – Zach Edey getting comfortable
The team finally involved Zach Edey more on the offensive end and he showed some of the skills that made him a dominant force in college. Edey shot 5-10 from the field to finish with 15 points and eight rebounds, including five offensive rebounds. Also, he blocked three shot attempts on the defensive end to display his ability to protect the paint.
Specifically, it was the hook shot that got the fanbase excited as he was near automatic every time he had an opportunity to post up whoever was guarding him, and his positioning to rebound the basketball off of missed shot attempts was a sight to behold after last season’s misfortunes in that area. The next step will be for the team to find ways to utilize that skill set when the roster is at full strength.
Stud – Jaylen Wells is a gamer
The Grizzlies might have found a gem in rookie second-round pick Jaylen Wells. He is a true bucket-getter, especially from the three-point line, and displayed some playmaking ability as he finished second on the team with six assists. He also led the team in scoring with 24 points on 50% shooting including the game-winning three with 9.1 seconds remaining.
He is making a strong case to crack the rotation sooner than expected if he keeps up that level of development and comfortability in the NBA game. He is the perfect compliment to fill in the three-and-d role that is available for minutes while Vince Williams Jr. remains out.
Dud – Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers
The Grizzlies committed another 21 turnovers to bring their preseason total to 66 through three games (22 per game average). No matter who’s on the court, whether it’s the main guys, bench guys, or back-of-the-roster guys, the Grizzlies officially have a turnover problem in this new offensive system and it needs to be cleaned up fast.
Turnovers will have to be the number one focus for the team in their final two exhibition games because opening the season with two road games could be very dangerous territory for a slow start.
