Preseason basketball has started for the Memphis Grizzlies with the regular season rapidly approaching, and students at the University of Memphis have their thoughts on the team ahead of the 25th season in Memphis.
After a busy offseason in which the Grizzlies hired new head coach Tuomas Iisalo and significantly changed their roster makeup, students were still optimistic about the new look squad.
“I don’t think we took a step back. I think we took a step to the side,” journalism student Ben Sutton said. “We didn’t rebuild; we retooled.”
The Grizzlies traded away franchise stalwart Desmond Bane over the offseason, who was considered by many to be a part of a “Big Three” in Memphis with him, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. In return, Memphis received two-time NBA Champion and veteran wing Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Cole Anthony (who they then cut), and four first round picks.
Additionally, the Grizzlies were active in free agency, signing former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome, who finished third place in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting last season and Rockets backup center Jock Landale.
“I was sad to see Desmond Bane go. He was my favorite player,” said Fatima Jaber, a junior at the UofM who has been attending Grizzlies games for much of her life. “I just don’t think they will be as good without him this year.”
Sam Shoemaker, a sports intern for the Daily Memphian and student at the University of Memphis, sees Bane’s departure as a chance for others to step up.
“I think trading away Desmond Bane certainly creates a new opportunity for the squad,” Shoemaker said. “I think you’re putting a lot of stock into the growth of young wings, and you’re putting a lot on the shoulders of unproven players.”
Memphis has been trying to develop young wings for years now in hopes of permanently filling their starting wing slots long term. But whether it be failed draft picks, such as Jake Laravia and David Roddy, or it be players who did not make the improvements expected of them last season, such as Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson, the Grizzlies have struggled to do so.
Enter Cedric Coward, who seemed to be the greatest source of excitement about the upcoming season. Coward, who the Grizzlies traded up for in the 2025 NBA Draft, is seen as having the potential to become the long-term fixture at the starting wing for the Grizzlies alongside fellow Washington State Cougar Jaylen Wells.
Coward was described as “going to be a dog” and “unbelievable” by Shoemaker, while Sutton praised his raw talent and NBA ready skillset.
The biggest concern going into the year was the concern every Grizzlies fan has.
“Injuries. Of course it’s injuries,” said Sutton.
Over the offseason, the Grizzlies three best big men, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke all sustained injuries that, for Edey and Clarke, will hold them out for at least the first month of the season, and for Jackson, put his opening day status in question.
Former All-NBA player Ja Morant has also struggled with his fair share of injuries, especially in the playoffs. Morant has already been held out of preseason with an ankle sprain, but is expected to play opening night.
Everyone agrees, where Morant goes, the Grizzlies go.
“I think (the Bane trade) puts a lot of reliance in Ja’s hands, and looking at career history, I think that’s a risky decision, just given he doesn’t play games,” said Shoemaker.
The Grizzlies begin their 82-game regular season journey in two weeks on Oct. 22, when they face off against their division rival the New Orleans Pelicans.
