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Grading Memphis Grizzlies' offseason after drafting Zach Edey, re-signing Luke Kennard
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- Grading Memphis Grizzlies' offseason after drafting Zach Edey, re-signing Luke Kennard
A Memphis Grizzlies offseason is rarely uneventful these days, but this summer has been somewhat quiet.
Two years ago, Memphis made Ja Morant the highest-paid player in franchise history while parting ways with key reserves De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson . Dillon Brooks ' time as the longest-tenured Grizzlies player ended last summer just weeks before the team gave Desmond Bane a maximum contract extension.
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There weren't any max extensions handed out this summer in Memphis, and the Grizzlies didn't lose a player who has even played 25 career games with the team.
Not having those issues made this summer feel like one where the Grizzlies had to fine-tune their roster. Moves were less about flash and more about connecting the final pieces to putting Memphis back in Western Conference contention.
Addressing Grizzlies needs
Memphis had two needs that stood out above the rest. Despite repeated efforts to improve shooting issues, the Grizzlies continued to struggle on 3-pointers. Trading away Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman Sr. all but eliminated quality center depth.
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Memphis drafted Zach Edey in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. He played only six quarters during summer league, but the 7-foot-4 center showed flashes of being that forceful presence the team seeks.
The Grizzlies re-signed Luke Kennard on a one-year deal and added two second-round picks who both have valued shooting skills.
Bringing back Kennard and drafting two shooters should help Memphis improve its shooting. While Edey will help in the frontcourt, the center spot still feels somewhat thin. In theory, the Grizzlies replaced Adams with Edey. When Adams would miss games, Tillman and Brandon Clarke would step in to minimize the loss. Unless recent two-way contract signee Jay Huff is expected to have a bigger role or Jaren Jackson Jr. will spend some time at center, there's no Tillman replacement.
Grade: A-
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Managing the salary cap
Before the 2023-24 season, it was difficult seeing the Grizzlies dodge the first apron, but somehow they pulled it off. It happened with consequences, of course. Moving Adams at the deadline, trading Ziaire Williams this summer and bringing Kennard back on a cheaper contract are major reasons. As it turns out, Memphis may have done more than just dodge the first apron. According to USA TODAY Sports' Michael Scotto, Memphis signed Kennard to a deal lower than the initially reported $11 million to stay narrowly below the luxury tax. Managing to put out an improved roster on paper and dodging the tax feels like a best-case scenario for Memphis.
Grade: A
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Offseason urgency
Injuries made the 2023-24 season feel like a lost year for the Grizzlies. Even though Memphis didn't have many major needs, there had to be a sense of urgency. The West is getting better, so complacency will lead to falling behind.
This offseason had an urgent feel to it. Williams was one of Morant's closest teammates, but the Grizzlies put the business before personal order to better the roster. The most notable shakeup was the overhaul of assistants. Time will tell if that decision pays off, but it's not too often that NBA teams make six new assistant coaching hires in one offseason.
Maybe Memphis believes new assistants can help create a better flow offensively and with development, but this offseason is essentially a vote of confidence for the talent already on the roster. Much of that talent helped Memphis win 50-plus games in back-to-back seasons before the previous year, but the Grizzlies didn't appear to be big players on the free agency or trade markets. The New Orleans Pelicans , Oklahoma City Thunder , Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are among the West teams who added veteran and proven starting-caliber talent to their rosters. Sure, a healthy Marcus Smart could essentially be an addition after only playing 20 games last season, but Memphis is taking a risk by betting on the potential of this youthful group.
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Grade: B
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies offseason grades after NBA draft, free agency
