The 2020-21 NBA season is a few weeks away and training camp is underway. The Memphis Grizzlies had a ton of momentum in March until the season was halted. They entered the NBA bubble as the No. 8 seed but the Blazers took that spot from them in the play-in tournament. Despite the road bump, there’s plenty of optimism in Memphis with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as the cornerstones of the future. Here we’re going to take a look at the Grizzlies’ offseason, plus look ahead to the 2020-21 season.
2020 offseason
Key additions
Marion Hezonja (trade)
Desmond Bane (draft)
Key losses
N/A
2020-21 odds
Title odds: +1500
Win percentage: O/U 40.5
Ja Morant MVP odds: +15000
Jaren Jackson Jr. MIP odds: +1500
Jaren Jackson Jr. DPOTY odds: +10000
2020-21 roster
Depth Chart
PG: Ja Morant, Tyus Jones, De’Anthony Melton
SG: Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, Grayson Allen, Desmond Bane
SF: Kyle Anderson, Justise Winslow, Robert Woodard II
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman Sr.
C: Jonas Valanciunas, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke
Roster battles
6th Man: De’Anthony Melton vs. Justise Winslow vs. Brandon Clarke
Backup G: De’Anthony Melton vs. Tyus Jones
Fantasy basketball
Best Sleeper
Brandon Clarke — Clarke was among one of the more underrated rookies last season. He struggled in the NBA restart when Jaren Jackson Jr. was ruled out but enters this season with a lot of upside. Clarke should get run in bigger lineups at SF, which should give him mismatches on offense. Clarke is also a better rebounder than JJJ despite the size difference. I wouldn’t mind taking a late-round flier on Clarke in deeper formats.
Likely Bust
Justise Winslow — To me, Winslow has been on the cusp of breaking out for a while now. Injuries have been his biggest issue. Winslow just can’t stay on the court. He was dealt to Memphis last season from the Miami Heat and didn’t even play a game. Winslow may be healthy heading into this season, but I wonder how long that will last. There’s no reason to go out of your way to draft Winslow. You’re better off waiting for him off the waiver wire.