Memphis Grizzlies’ Lost Season, The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2023-24 season with championship aspirations, fresh off back-to-back 50-win campaigns. Instead, they’ve become the NBA’s most disappointing team, ravaged by injuries, suspensions, and underperformance. This 1,500+ word investigation examines how a rising powerhouse fell apart and what comes next for the franchise.
The Perfect Storm of Misfortune
Injury Catastrophe
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Ja Morant: Missed first 25 games (suspension), then season-ending shoulder surgery after just 9 games
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Steven Adams: Missed entire season (knee)
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Brandon Clarke: Played just 6 games (Achilles recovery)
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Marcus Smart: Missed 38 games (finger, ankle)
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Desmond Bane: Missed 21 games (ankle)
According to NBA Injury Analytics, the Grizzlies have lost:
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328 total games to injury (most in NBA)
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$58M in salary sitting out (37% of payroll)
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4 of 5 projected starters for 25+ games each
By the Numbers: The Statistical Freefall
Year-over-Year Collapse
| Category | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | Decline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 51-31 | 18-36 | -33 win pace |
| Offensive Rating | 114.8 (11th) | 107.9 (30th) | -6.9 |
| Defensive Rating | 110.7 (3rd) | 115.2 (19th) | -4.5 |
| Net Rating | +4.1 | -7.3 | -11.4 |
Lineup Instability
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32 different starting lineups (most in NBA)
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14 players with 10+ starts
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Rookie minutes up 214% from last season
Ja Morant: What Comes Next?
The Suspension Aftermath
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Team went 6-19 during 25-game suspension
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Morant’s 27.1 PPG in 9 games showed MVP flashes
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Now faces second major surgery in 3 years (knee 2022)
Long-Term Concerns
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Missed 25+ games in 3 of 5 seasons
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Reliance on athleticism raises durability questions
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$194M extension kicks in next season
Bright Spots in the Darkness
GG Jackson’s Emergence
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12.8 PPG since January (43.1% from three)
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Youngest player in NBA showing star potential
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+3.1 net rating on terrible team
Vince Williams Jr.’s Breakout
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From two-way contract to starter
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10.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, elite defense
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37.9% from three on 5.1 attempts
Draft Lottery Silver Lining
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Projected top-5 pick (own + Warriors pick)
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Deep 2024 draft with franchise-altering talent
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Could package for established star
Front Office Crossroads
Offseason Decisions Loom
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Extend Desmond Bane? Eligible for $207M max
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Trade Brandon Clarke? Coming off Achilles tear
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Use $12.5M trade exception?
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Draft or trade picks?
NBA Newsz’s Front Office Analyst notes: “Memphis has to decide whether to run it back or make bold moves. Their core’s health makes this the franchise’s most pivotal offseason since drafting Morant.”
2024-25 Projections: Bounceback Potential
Memphis Grizzlies’ Lost Season, With expected health, the Grizzlies project as:
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Top-10 offense (Morant/Bane/Jackson)
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Top-5 defense (Smart/Adams/JJJ)
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Depth concerns remain
Key variables:
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Morant’s recovery
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Rookie development
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Adams/Clarke effectiveness
Read More: The Sacramento Kings’ Playoff Push: Can the Beam Team Become Western Conference Contenders?
Conclusion:
Memphis Grizzlies’ Lost Season, The Grizzlies’ nightmare season serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of NBA contention. While injuries created an impossible situation, the franchise now faces existential questions about its core’s durability and construction. One thing is certain: the 2024 offseason will define Memphis basketball for years to come.
For daily Grizzlies coverage and draft analysis, visit NBA Newsz.
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