Brandon Clarke points out one thing everyone seems to forget about the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies could have been better positioned to succeed during the 2023/24 season, but they dealt with significant issues. Ja Morant was handed a 25-game suspension to start the season, and when he returned, he suffered a season-ending injury after nine games.

Now that Ja and the rest of the team are healthy, it is tough to see the Grizzlies not playing well. They have all the tools to succeed, which is what Brandon Clarke is hyped about ahead of the Memphis’ 24/25 redemption campaign.

“We really want to win next year. We really think that we have what it takes to win next year. Just adding those pieces that we need really. Just adding guys who want to win, know how to win,” Clarke said in an interview during a charity event.

The Grizzlies are ready and healthy enough to compete

Memphis is one of the most underrated teams ahead of the 24/25 season because they are coming off one of the worst campaigns in franchise history. Most of the NBA community has been ignoring the Grizzlies because they do not know that most of the issues were about the injury crisis with the team.

People often forget how good Memphis was in the 2022/23 season, only over a year ago. The team has retained most of the roster from that campaign, so expect the Grizzlies to be the surprise team for most people.

Morant is not the only player who will make a grand return because Desmond Bane hopes for a healthier season. Even Clarke himself is in for a big year, as he returned late in the 2023/24 season, but a full offseason of him finding his footing could make him a valuable piece in the team’s rotation.

Clarke looks to feature more for the team

Now that Clarke has returned to the team after recovering from a devastating torn Achilles in March 2023, he looks to be part of the long-term plans. It is challenging to come from that injury, but the former Gonzaga Bulldog seemed rejuvenated when he returned.

Brandon is ready to prove himself again and prove he deserves a spot in the rotation. It will be a competitive season for bench players like Clarke because they are competing against each other for minutes behind Jaren Jackson Jr.

With that competitive edge bleeding throughout the roster, it is fair to expect the Grizzlies to be ready for the season. They are the underdogs again, which is just what Memphis’ roster wants because they perform better with chips on their shoulders.

Related: Ranking the best seasons in Grizzlies franchise history