The Memphis Grizzlies found a way to win against the Dallas Mavericks last night. After the tough trip to California that Memphis had - losing to both the Kings and Warriors - it was a needed victory to feel better about the start of 2025 for the Grizzlies. This was especially true considering Dallas was without both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks were without their two best players. And even though Memphis missed Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the same could not be said of the Grizzlies.
Because Jaren Jackson Jr. suited up. And he was the best player on the floor in this contest.
While putting up an box score stuffing effort (INSERT STATS HERE) Jaren reminded us all that he is indeed the best two-way player on the Memphis Grizzlies. But that effort also should serve as a moment of reflection on what this Grizzlies season is.
It’s year six of the Ja Morant/Zach Kleiman/Taylor Jenkins era. Jaren Jackson Jr. is about to be due a major pay day as he enters the final year of his contract next season. These Grizzlies, while still among the NBA’s youngest teams, are not getting any younger.
Their standing near the top of the Western Conference is confirmed by the money being spent and the state of play for Memphis statistically. The time to try to win is now.
But what is the best way to go about that? A great question.
The rumors of Jimmy Butler coming to Memphis continue to simmer at the surface of the NBA’s consciousness. And that could be cool - but it would mean moving on from players like Luke Kennard. He’s been playing the best basketball of his Grizzlies tenure of late as minutes have come back his way with all the injuries Memphis has had to deal with.
It could also mean parting with Brandon Clarke, a versatile reserve big that has been part of this Jenkins/Morant/Kleiman Era as long as Morant has. And a big that helps to bring out the best in Jaren Jackson Jr. - especially defensively.
You see the predicament, right? Butler certainly raises the ceiling for Memphis, especially with their starting unit. But even there, moving the likes of Jaylen Wells - a likely Rookie of the Year candidate alongside his teammate Zach Edey - to the bench feels off.
What makes it especially hard is we’ve never seen this Grizzlies team at full strength. But it’s hard to apply “urgency” to injuries - and while Ja Morant may be nearing a return, others like Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson are still a ways away.
The trade deadline is in a month. It’s probable we never actually see that team at full strength - due to trade, health, or a combination of both.
Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman has a tough job. Stay the course, or shake things up? You can argue either way.
But Jaren Jackson Jr. - and these Grizzlies - are entering their prime. The time is now one way or another.
