Memphis Grizzlies Roster 2019 Grizzlies Roster

The Memphis Grizzlies had been a regular participant in the playoffs for the entire decade prior to last season. In 2017-2018, nothing went right for the Grizzlies. Most of the team missed significant chunks of the season due to injury. This included Mike Conley, one of the highest-paid players in the NBA, who missed the entire season except for 12 games. The Grizzlies have an aging and declining core surrounded by some ill-fitting and inexperienced role players. The face of the franchise, Mark Gasol, is 33 years old and Conley is only two years younger. The Grizzlies' personnel moves, which included last season's firing of coach David Fizdale, have left something to be desired. Even though this team is healthy this season, their window seems to have closed as Gasol and Conley start to enter the downsides of their careers. Nonetheless, the pair are locked into huge contracts so for better or worse, they are the franchise.

Memphis Grizzlies Roster Top 3 Questions

It has been a while since the grind house Grizzlies were a thing. Mike Conley has missed a majority of the last few seasons, and Marc Gasol has been the only living player on the court. Tyreke Evans did show his offensive ability off the bench this year. With Gasol and Conley on these long term contracts and them not agreeing to move, it is hard for Memphis to go anywhere from here. They have whiffed on draft picks of late, as guys like Andrew Harrison, Kobi Simmons, and MarShon Brooks have failed to develop. Throwing a ton of money at Chandler Parsons is one of the poorer contract moves in the NBA over the last five years, although Dillon Brooks has proven he could be a steady piece in this roster. Overall Memphis is going to struggle for a few years to come, especially if Conley can’t stay healthy.

Can Gasol Continue to Produce?

So far, the above question can be answered in the affirmative. Gasol has defied Father Time and even managed to remain healthy last season as the rest of the Grizzlies dropped like flies around him. Gasol's numbers have not dropped off at all as he has gotten older. Instead, Gasol has changed the nature of his game to become more of a perimeter player as opposed to a post-up shooter. This has helped Gasol keep his legs fresh and manage the bumps and bruises that come with advanced age. Provided that the Grizzlies can reduce his minutes slightly this season, Gasol should be able to continue to produce at a high level.

Who are the Next Generation Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies made one of the better draft choices in their history by selecting Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth spot. It had been a long time since the Grizzlies had selected that high in the draft and they took full advantage of it. Jackson is the perfect stretch four for today's NBA and presents an intriguing option if him and Gasol are on the court at the same time. Ivan Rabb showed promise in limited playing time as a rookie. He has the size and quickness to be good in the league, but the Grizzlies have Gasol and Jackson ahead of him who play largely the same role.

Can Conley Still Lead the Team?

Conley was one of the first beneficiaries of the NBA's new TV deal. He was given a $152 million contract that he has yet to earn. Conley has not played more than 69 games in a season in the past three years. Speedy point guards simply do not age well in the NBA, but given his contract, Conley is tethered to the Grizzlies. Memphis will have to rely on Shelvin Mack to contribute quality minutes to spell Conley. Like Gasol, Conley's minutes will have to be managed. The problem is that there are three legitimate scoring options on the Grizzlies and not much more behind them.