Choking for a cause. Grizzlies blow 18-point lead as fans think ahead to '24 draft

Friday night the young up-and-coming NBA 2nd-round pick GG Jackson was blasting the lack of Grizzlies fan engagement and support as the team lost by 30 points to a bad Portland Trail Blazers team. Saturday against that same Blazers team the Grizzlies fought much harder, falling short in overtime after blowing an 18-point lead at FedExForum downtown. Final/OT: Portland Trail Blazers 107 Memphis Grizzlies 100

Ironically that same 2nd-round find, GG Jackson, and these Grizzlies lineups might be doing more long-term help in losing both games to Portland this weekend than if they had won them. The Grizzlies sit squarely as the #6 overall team in the 2024 NBA Draft according to Tankathon.com, just two games back of #5 Portland. Indeed, young lineups and sitting superstars have placed the Grizzlies in the mix for a possible Top-5 NBA Lottery selection in 2024.

Maybe the revelation of GG Jackson and Vince Williams as rotation level NBA players and a top-6 NBA Lottery Pick is good enough for fans. But Jackson wants more. Postgame GG Jackson said, "It doesn't really matter what’s the score in the game. We kind of blew an 18-point lead. We have to come in and get ready for Brooklyn and this road trip. Hopefully we can capitalize and move forward."

As for looking ahead to the Nets game Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in Brooklyn, it seems competing is nice, but losing might be best for Memphis right now.

Next game: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Brooklyn Nets Monday night at 6:30 p.m. live on 92.9 FM ESPN