The Memphis Grizzlies head into the 2026-27 season with a deep roster that gives head coach Tuomas Iisalo a wealth of lineup possibilities. With players like Cam Boozer, Zach Edey, and Isaiah Stewart providing unique skills, Iisalo can experiment with several intriguing combinations.
One fascinating option is a jumbo package. This group would feature Ty Jerome at point guard, Cedric Coward at shooting guard, Cameron Boozer at small forward, Isaiah Stewart at power forward, and Zach Edey at center. Putting Stewart and Edey together creates an imposing defensive front. Boozer noted at media day he expects to play more on the perimeter in the NBA, making his fit at the three an interesting watch. Coward could handle point-of-attack duties, letting Stewart roam freely with Edey anchoring the paint. Offensively, Jerome and Boozer's playmaking would be key for this unit.
Another potential look focuses on spacing the floor while maintaining rim protection. A lineup of Ty Jerome, Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells or Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant or Cameron Boozer, and Isaiah Stewart at center could achieve this. Stewart himself expressed confidence in his three-point shot, saying, "I've shown in the past I can be slotted in at the four and be able to knock down that three ball, space the floor." Cam Spencer is a non-negotiable inclusion for any shooting-centric group. The choice between Grant and Boozer at the four depends on whether Iisalo prefers Grant's defensive versatility or Boozer's rebounding and passing.
Opponents likely want to see the least of a defensive-minded group featuring Scotty Pippen Jr., Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Isaiah Stewart, and Zach Edey. This combination blends perimeter pressure with immense interior size. It's the type of unit that could force turnovers and dominate the glass, making every possession a grind for the other team.
Exploring new lineup combinations isn't just theoretical. It's a direct response to finding groups that can compete more effectively night to night. Integrating the size of Edey and Stewart or the shooting of Spencer and Wells could provide the spark needed to reverse such trends. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page as the new season unfolds. The flexibility of this roster gives Iisalo real tools to work with as he looks to build a more consistent winner.
