NBA legend Horace Grant has praised the Memphis Grizzlies' offseason moves, calling the young squad a "nice little team." His comments come as the Grizzlies look to turn the page after a challenging end to last season, which concluded with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026. The team enters a new era following the trade of star Ja Morant and the high-profile drafting of rookie Cameron Boozer.
What did Horace Grant say about the Memphis Grizzlies?
Horace Grant, a four-time NBA champion, shared his thoughts on his nephew Jerami Grant's new team. He expressed excitement about the roster's composition. "Yeah, (he's excited)," Grant said via Action Network. "They picked up Boozer. They've got Scotty Pippen Jr. there coming off injury. I think he's going to be solid for them."
Grant acknowledged the challenges ahead but highlighted the value of veteran leadership. He pointed to his nephew's 12 years of NBA experience as a key asset. "My nephew's been around the league for many years, so he knows the growing pains are going to be there," Grant explained. "With his veteran leadership and with Boozer, I think they'll be respectable as a young team."
How does Jerami Grant fit with the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies acquired forward Jerami Grant as part of the Ja Morant trade. At 32, he brings a proven scoring punch and playoff experience to a rebuilding core. Last season, Grant averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He shot 45.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range. He has had three seasons averaging over 20 points, including the 2023-24 campaign.
Despite not fitting the typical long-term timeline, Memphis reportedly has "no plans" to trade Grant this year. His contract includes a player option worth about $36 million for the 2027-28 season. If he plays well, he could become a trade candidate next summer. For now, the Grizzlies see his 40 games of playoff experience as vital for a potential postseason push. You can track the team's progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
What is the outlook for the Grizzlies this season?
The franchise is clearly in a transition phase. Missing the playoffs twice in the last three seasons has set the stage for this rebuild. The recent form shows the scale of the challenge, with the team losing its last five games. A play-in tournament berth would represent a major step forward this year.
Veteran guard Ty Jerome has stated the team is eyeing a playoff appearance. A lot needs to go right for that to happen. The development of Cameron Boozer, the health of Scotty Pippen Jr., and the steadying presence of Jerami Grant will be central to any success. The front office's patience will be tested as growing pains are inevitable.
Integrating new faces while establishing a new identity is the primary task. The Grizzlies' [squad](/squad) page shows a mix of promising youth and experienced veterans. Jerami Grant's ability to score efficiently from the perimeter and in the paint will be important. His leadership in the locker room might be just as valuable as his points on the court.
The season offers a fresh start. Fans are eager to see how the pieces fit together. The goal is to build a foundation that can compete consistently in the Western Conference. Every game will be a learning opportunity for this reshaped roster.
