After a disappointing 22-60 season in 2017-2018, many expect the Memphis Grizzlies to bounce back next season. Of course, a significant part of that optimism stems from the healthy return of Mike Conley but, in addition, the Grizzlies also added Kyle Anderson, Garrett Temple, and No. 4 overall pick Jaren Jackson Jr. to the mix, painting the picture of a more talented and dangerous team.
Still, overall expectations are generally modest for Memphis (at least according to handicappers) and Conley recently discussed the situation within the organization on two different occasions. Mark Giannotto of the Memphis Commercial Appeal brings word from Conley, who referenced the prospect of “an awkward year” for the Grizzlies in the face of a wildly competitive Western Conference.
“It’s different for me because for the last eight years, I came into every season thinking we have a chance to win at a high level,” Conley said at USA Basketball’s mini-camp. “This season, expectations are still try to be that playoff team, that team that comes out and really makes it tough on everybody. But it is an awkward year with so many teams getting so much better [with] different acquisitions they made in the offseason.”
It is hard to ignore the potential ramifications of that insight, even if the Grizzlies did actually improve in the off-season. Conley undoubtedly knows that Memphis isn’t a title contender at the moment and, even with full health for both he and Marc Gasol (a big “if”), it might be a challenge for the team to even return to the playoffs.
Still, Conley sounded a little more optimistic when appearing at the unveiling of the Grizzlies’ new jerseys.
“This has been one of the better offseasons we’ve had, I think, especially with our draft picks and our signings that we made,” Conley said. “They might be small in the grand scheme of things as far as the big splashes that are being made in the league. But for us, they’re a big deal and I’m excited for this season to come.”
In the end, Conley’s health (and effectiveness) is easily the biggest key to on-court success for Memphis and that was wholly evident a season ago. It is easy to squint and see the Grizzlies winning more games than they lose if Conley and Gasol are able to play 60-plus contests and, despite the prospect of awkwardness as Memphis actively avoids a rebuild, some of the concern will evaporate if things drastically improve on the floor. However, even a significant improvement on last season is no guarantee of a playoff berth out West, and if that is the case there will be plenty of questions to answer next summer about the direction of the Grizzlies.
