Grizzlies offseason grade: Did Memphis do enough to compete in the West?

The Memphis Grizzlies are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes of bouncing back after a disappointing 27-55 finish last year. Despite a tough offseason, the question remains: Did the Grizzlies do enough to compete in a stacked Western Conference? NBA reporter Sean Keane from YardBarker graded each Southwest Division team’s offseason, and Memphis might have some catching up to do.

Grizzlies Earn a "C"

Keane gave the Grizzlies a "C" grade for their offseason, a reflection of a summer that saw more continuity than significant change. The Grizzlies chose to retain much of their core, banking on the return to health of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to restore their competitive edge.

Memphis made headlines by selecting 7-foot-4 Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft, hoping he could be a long-term replacement for the traded Steven Adams. While Edey’s college accolades are impressive, Keane highlighted the risk associated with betting big on a rookie center, "Memphis is betting big on a rookie 300-pound center. If Edey struggles, this team could be in bad shape" , Keane noted.

The Grizzlies also re-signed Luke Kennard, their best outside shooter from last season. However, Keane pointed out that Memphis didn’t address their overall shooting woes, which saw them finish near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage. This lack of outside shooting could be a significant problem as they try to keep pace in a conference loaded with offensive firepower.

Comparison to Southwest Rivals

In contrast, other teams in the Southwest Division made more aggressive moves. The Dallas Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals last season, earned an "A-" from Keane. They bolstered their roster with the acquisition of Klay Thompson, significantly improving their outside shooting and guard depth. Dallas’ proactive approach could make them one of the top contenders in the West.

The Houston Rockets also had a productive offseason, earning a "B+" grade. They focused on adding young talent, including Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, while maintaining cap flexibility for the future. The Rockets’ approach positions them well for both immediate improvement and long-term success.

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