Why the NBA's best backcourt is in Memphis and 4 other Grizzlies preseason overreactions

The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up preseason play on Friday night with a 114-109 loss to the Miami Heat, and now it's time for the real deal.

All offseason, the Grizzlies have been one of the most discussed teams in the NBA. Injuries limited their production last season, and some key players have yet to debut for the 2024-25 campaign.

Memphis is installing a new offense centered around playing at the fastest pace in franchise history. While doing that, the Grizzlies are also trying to make sure 7-foot-4 rookie center Zach Edey gets his post touches.

The defense is also ramping up the pressure. Glimpses of the new things being emphasized were showcased throughout preseason.

Now, we have enough of a sample size to overreact to how the Grizzlies fared in the preseason. The key word here is overreact.

Here are five overreactions to the Grizzlies' preseason.

Ja Morant and Desmond Bane look like NBA's best backcourt

We only saw it twice, but in this case, twice was nice. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane's games have always meshed well. Morant is more of the slasher while Bane has punished teams from deep. Now, the two are taking their confidence to new levels and filling up the stat sheet.

There's a real chance that both guards each average more than 20 points and five assists per game this season. Morant has done that in each of the past three seasons, and Bane put together his first season of at least 20 points and five assists last year. In the preseason finale, Morant finished with 17 points and six assists in three quarters. Bane added a team-high 19 points and seven assists. Mind you, this was in three quarters. Move over, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. The best backcourt is in Memphis.

The Grizzlies won't be a good shooting team

Memphis still doesn't look like a team equipped with high-level shooting. Bane and Kennard are two of the best in the NBA, but who can Memphis trust beyond that? Marcus Smart, Morant and Edey didn't show much 3-point shooting in the preseason. Rookie second-round pick Jaylen Wells is certainly a shooter, but the minutes won't be there for him to move Memphis up far enough in the shooting rankings. The Grizzlies haven't finished higher than 17th in 3-point shooting under Taylor Jenkins, and they don't look much better right now.

Zach Edey is ready to win Rookie of the Year

Zach Edey told media members his confidence is "high" after Friday's preseason finale versus Miami. Bane and Morant are emphasizing feeding Edey the ball, and Jenkins said the team installed plays in the final week of preseason that featured Edey. The big man will get the ball and be able to impose his will. Memphis, the Rookie of the Year is here.

The bench is underperforming

OK, maybe you can blame the injuries for zapping much of the scoring power from the second unit, but no one who played on Friday stood out in a major way during the past two weeks. Scotty Pippen Jr. has been impressive defensively, but his turnovers have impacted his efficiency. Jake LaRavia and John Konchar haven't consistently taken advantage of the extra minutes they're getting with Vince Williams Jr., Kennard and GG Jackson out because of injuries.

Santi Aldama will have breakout shooting season

Santi Aldama should not be shooting 33.3% for his career on 3-pointers. This is the season he jumps to above league average to at least 36%. He has good mechanics, and his confidence is rising. He finished preseason making five of his final seven 3-pointers. His breakout shooting season is now.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why the NBA's best backcourt is in Memphis and 4 other Grizzlies preseason overreactions