Mid-Season Report Card: Grizz

The Grizzlies are on pace to be in familiar territory with a plausible second entry into the play-in tournament. Loaded with young talent, they could be successful this time.

Cubs

The very young and exciting Grizzlies are much like their Southwest Division friends the Spurs in that they are severely overlooked. Memphis is statistically the youngest team in the league, and the new style they bring is under appreciated.

Every wants to talk about the young Pelicans, I'd rather talk about the Grizzlies. They play the right way, led by future superstar Ja Morant and supported by key players in Jonas Valančiunūs, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, and Kyle Anderson.

They've also been without young stud Jaren Jackson Jr., who would greatly improve them. Unlike New Orleans, Memphis is actually in the playoff race, and plays with energy on both sides of the ball night in and night out.

Ja show

Ja Morant is so incredibly gifted both athletically and skill-wise, averaging nearly 20 points and 8 assists per game, and being a leader on the court for the Grizz. The world needs a Ja vs. Zion play-in game, and the world needs the Pelicans to step up to ensure that happens.

Potential

They're playing considerably well when you factor in expectations as well as injuries, and the fact that they're in the Western Conference making noise like this. It shouldn't be that surprising with how they played last year, but the talk gravitates away from grit and grind basketball.

When Jaren Jackson Jr. comes back it will give them an additional boost, and it seems very plausible that they get past the play-in and into the playoffs.

Grade:

A-