Joe Mullinax here, the host of the daily Locked On Grizzlies podcast, with your daily Locked On Grizzlies newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Grizzlies and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t ready to go all-in just yet
Dec 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
One game does not a season make. But how excited were you about the prospect of the Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder a few days ago? Finally, a chance to see just how good the Grizzlies were!
Of course, that did not wind up happening. Ja Morant got injured against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Apparently so did Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke, and before you knew it the Grizzlies were relying on John Konchar the starting Power Forward and Cam Spencer to play 22 minutes against the NBA’s best team.
Unsurprisingly, the Memphis Grizzlies lost. And what was supposed to be a test of what the Grizzlies actually are became a reminder that we have no idea what Memphis actually is this season.
It wasn’t just the game, of course. The weekend at large was a reflection of that. Reports came from all across the NBA mediaverse that Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets was about to become a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. The aforementioned Konchar, Luke Kennard’s expiring contract, and a heavily protected 1st round pick was the offer. Brooklyn was about to say yes...
DFS is just as much of a big as a wing at this stage of his NBA career. While he can be a “3", he doesn’t have the same handle and creation off the dribble that Santi Aldama, or GG Jackson do. So that trade falling through doesn’t bother this writer too much - I would rather see those minutes go elsewhere.
But another reason that trade not working out is in the short term is the same reason Memphis lost Sunday evening. When you have no idea who your team actually is, it’s hard to make a determination as to what they need.
Make no mistake, a player like Cam Johnson would perhaps be worth rocking the boat for. And it’s assumed the Grizzlies will stay engaged with the Nets to discuss a possible deal for him - but it will be much more costly than DFS.
Even with the understanding that Johnson could be at best a starting wing, at worst a key reserve, for a title contender - are you comfortable making that investment right now? As Ja Morant wears a sling and a chunk of the preseason projected rotation remains out due to injury?
Missing out on DFS may well be a blessing. Yes, the Lakers got better - and that stinks. But Memphis must run their own race. The Lakers have a 40-year-old LeBron James to appease. The Grizzlies superstar’s latest injury is the reason that opportunity cost matters so much.
Should the Grizzlies operate as a title contender and invest in now? Yes - once now is clear in what the expectation should be.
The Memphis team that got soundly beat by the Thunder Sunday evening? That team probably is not a contender. Are the Grizzlies that team, or what their record says they are - among the NBA’s best?
They have 38 days until the trade deadline to try to figure that out.
Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to a question during a post game interview after the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. | Ed Szczepanski/Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown was fired on his way to meet his team at the airport, Anthony Edwards was fined again — this time a cool $100k — for profanity, Amen Thompson picked Tyler Herro up and skipped him like a stone over the hardwood floor, the Suns and Mavs got into it too, and D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Nets (again) in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. It was a busy weekend in the NBA.
But let’s not focus on the chaos. Let’s instead look to a milestone within the milieu of the NBA’s theatrics, one that’s sat looming, casting a long shadow over the league for years now and especially over LeBron James, who turns 40 today.
James is a rare athlete in many ways. He’s been dominant in every decade of his career — and it’s rare enough to pluralize “decade” when discussing the length of an athlete’s career — and at one point was the greatest athlete on the planet. He’s won NBA titles, Olympic gold medals, has played a huge role in furthering athlete autonomy and reshaping the public’s perception of what an athlete can do and be off the court (or field, rink, etc.) in terms of political and social awareness and advocacy. He’s the first ever athlete to play alongside his son at a professional level and he’s advanced, even introduced, the concept of recovery and physical and mental longevity for an athlete.
He’s also still capable of forcefully taking your breath away with a rousing block, dunk, and the ability to toss his team on his back and take control of the game — he’s still averaging 23.5 points, 9 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game.
James’ rarest attribute though is something of a double-edged sword: his longevity. The quality of longevity, pure staying power, James has maintained throughout his career is the kind of consistency we just don’t see in sports yet he’s made it feel routine, totally normal.
The gift of this for basketball fans has been having James as both a metronome and a backdrop for over 20 seasons. Other players have taken what he’s done and made their own improvisations, but he’s the rhythm that drives the game like he’s the mountain set at the horizon, offering a perennial sense of direction. What happens when these two constant factors aren’t there anymore?
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read After missing out on Dorian Finney-Smith, the Grizzlies need to pivot to a new target. This analysis dives into strategic options to bolster the team. (Beale Street Bears)
Analysis The Grizzlies’ December performances over the past five years reveal significant insights into the team’s seasonal trends. Discover the patterns and their implications for the current season. (Beale Street Bears)
Watch NBA superstar Yuki Kawamura’s statement about the Grizzlies has gone viral. Catch the buzz and see what everyone is talking about. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury The Grizzlies have announced that Zach Edey will be sidelined before their game against the Thunder. Read the details on his injury status and potential impact. (Sports Illustrated)
Celebrate 40 great moments for LeBron James on his 40th birthday. (NBA.com)
Milestone By the numbers: a statistical look at NBA milestones as LeBron James turns 40. (TSN)
Biz A look inside Mike Brown’s final days with the Sacramento Kings. (The Athletic)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Implications Of The Lakers & Nets Trade
Dec 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The NBA trade market is heating up, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have made the first significant move of the season. In a surprising turn of events, D’Angelo Russell is heading back to Brooklyn, while Dorian Finney-Smith makes his way to Los Angeles.
The trade details are as follows:
Brooklyn receives:
D’Angelo Russell
Maxwell Lewis (2023 second-round pick)
Three second-round picks
Los Angeles receives:
Dorian Finney-Smith
Shake Milton
This move has significant implications for both teams and fantasy basketball managers alike. For Brooklyn, Russell’s return could shake up their backcourt rotation. With Cam Thomas also returning from injury, the Nets suddenly have an abundance of scoring guards. While this might lead to some exciting offensive performances, it could also create a defensive nightmare for Brooklyn.
Noah Clowney’s value may see an uptick with Finney-Smith’s departure. The rookie has shown flashes of potential in recent games, and this trade could open up more consistent minutes for him. However, it’s important to temper expectations, as the Nets’ rotation remains fluid.
Ben Simmons’ role is now in question. With Russell taking over primary ball-handling duties, Simmons might see a reduction in minutes and usage. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation closely, as Simmons could become a potential drop candidate if his playing time dips significantly.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Grizzlies podcasts.
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Memphis Grizzlies crumble in fourth quarter, lose again vs Rockets The Memphis Grizzlies dropped their third game this season against the Houston Rockets. In this episode, host Damichael Cole recaps the game, discusses key Taylor Jenkins decisions and provides an update on GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr.
