17-year NBA veteran pinpoints NBA's forgotten contender

A staggering 33 players suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies last season as they navigated a season-shattering decimation of their roster due to injury. Only Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama and Ziaire Williams played in more than 50 games for Taylor Jenkins' team during the 2023-24 campaign.

As such, Memphis will enter the new season with low expectations. When a franchise struggles as much as the Grizzlies did last year, it's easy to forget what they're capable of when at full strength.

According to former NBA wing Eddie Johnson, Memphis could emerge as a shock contender this season. He noted that if the Grizzlies' roster can stay healthy, they could quickly remind everyone why they're an underrated contender in the Western Conference.

"We forget how good the Memphis Grizzlies were a couple of years ago," Johnson said via SiriusXM NBA Radio. "Yes, they've had their downfall because of silly things, injuries and all of that. But, if they're healthy, and they're in uniform, they're a dangerous team...To me, ultimately, they're still young enough that they're going to be a problem if they're healthy."

Memphis ended the 2022-23 season with the 11th-ranked offense and a defense that sat third in the league. In terms of net rating, the Grizzlies were the fourth-best team in the NBA that season.

Most of that 2022-23 roster is still intact. Marcus Smart and Zach Edey are the two upgrades that could see significant playing time in the upcoming campaign. And Ja Morant will undoubtedly be expected to prove his All-Star credentials while remaining on the court and out of the spotlight.

Taylor Jenkins has an elite roster on his hands. With the lack of media expectations around the team, Memphis finds itself in an ideal situation. The Grizzlies can focus on their game without external pressure or intense media coverage. As such, they could be a shock addition to the Western Conference playoff picture and maybe have an outside shot of making the conference finals.

After all, the Grizzlies were seen as legitimate contenders heading into last season, and in truth, not much has actually changed.