The Memphis Grizzlies' 2026-27 campaign begins with a new era and a long list of questions after a difficult end to last season. As the team looks ahead, five big issues will define their path forward.
Tanking is a strategy the NBA is actively trying to reduce with new lottery odds. For the Grizzlies, the incentive to lose is much weaker now. They collected a lot of young talent this offseason. So, why not only try to win as many games as possible? Frankly, they might as well go for it. Even an inexperienced roster will still lose plenty. The new system could let them compete, develop their young core, and still land a decent draft pick. Their draft future also isn't entirely in their own hands.
Memphis owns the Utah Jazz's 2027 first-round pick. There's a catch, though. If it lands in the top five, league rules will push it down to sixth overall. Utah has been in the top five for two straight years. The Jazz probably won't send a top-five selection anyway. They added Jaren Jackson Jr. In the trade that sent this pick to Memphis. They also drafted potential franchise player Darryn Peterson. With Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, Utah has more established veterans. Are they a playoff lock? Or could they send the Grizzlies a pick in the back half of the lottery? That uncertainty is a major subplot.
Health is always important, but it feels especially pressing for these Grizzlies. Last season, Ty Jerome appeared in only 15 games. Zach Edey suited up for just 11 contests. The team needs better luck for completely different reasons. Edey is supposed to be a cornerstone. At 7'4", he's the biggest man in the NBA and creates unique advantages. Those advantages disappear if he can't stay on the floor. For Jerome, health is about trade value. The Grizzlies will want him healthy at least until the trade deadline passes.
This question ties directly to the first one about winning. How serious are the Grizzlies about competing now? Would they pass on a chance to trade a veteran for future assets? Jerome is the most obvious trade candidate. If he's healthy, he could fetch a first-round pick on the open market. Jerami Grant's contract might scare some teams off, but he's a useful piece for a contender. What the Grizzlies do at the deadline will reveal their philosophy. Playing the long game means moving anyone not on a rookie deal for future picks. That seems like the sensible direction. One young player's development will tell us the most about that future.
Rookies should be judged on a different scale. If Cameron Boozer is a positive NBA player next season, he'll be an exception. The Grizzlies will still hope he can impact games in flashes. Future All-NBA stars typically have ups and downs as rookies. As long as Boozer has enough high points, Memphis will be satisfied. He is, after all, the player expected to lead this franchise into its next chapter. Their journey starts now.
