The Memphis Grizzlies head into the 2026-27 NBA season with several individuals facing immense pressure to perform and change the team's trajectory. After ending the previous campaign with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026, and a recent form of five consecutive losses, the focus shifts to internal improvement. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Gone, the spotlight falls on a new core led by rookie Cameron Boozer and a group needing to prove itself.
Who must step up for the Memphis Grizzlies?
Three people are under the microscope as the season begins. Their performance will directly impact whether Memphis can move past a difficult period. The team's outlook hinges on health, backcourt production, and coaching decisions. Projections suggest a win total similar to last season's 25, but internal optimism exists with a healthier roster and new talent.
Can Zach Edey stay healthy?
Zach Edey's contract situation adds urgency. The massive center can become a restricted free agent after the 2027-28 season and is due an extension. His value is undeniable. The Grizzlies' defense is significantly better when he patrols the paint, and his offensive game has developed. The primary concern is durability. After multiple injuries last season, his availability is the top early-season story. How soon he returns from rehab and how long he can stay on the court are open questions. The team added depth with Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post, but Edey's rim protection is irreplaceable. His health will shape the frontcourt rotation and the team's defensive identity. You can track his status on our injuries page.
Who will run the point guard position?
The departure of Ja Morant leaves a major vacancy at point guard. Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. Now have a clear opportunity to prove they are NBA starters. Jerome, in the final year of his contract, showed scoring flashes late last season. If he maintains that pace, he could become a trade asset. Pippen Jr. Must demonstrate he can run an offense consistently. Second-year player Walter Clayton Jr. Also gets a chance to show he belongs as a rotation contributor. While much of the offensive initiation may go through Cameron Boozer, the guards must make plays and hit shots. The underrated Cam Spencer, one of the league's purest shooters, will also handle the ball. This position battle is wide open and critical for offensive flow.
Is Tuomas Iisalo the right coach for the job?
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo enters a defining period. It's his team and his vision, but he needs to start showing results. His equal-minutes distribution approach might fit this current group better than the previous roster. However, it can frustrate players who want to stay in the game when they find a rhythm. The NBA has seen many coaches start a rebuild but not finish it. Former coach Taylor Jenkins, now in Milwaukee, earned early success to secure his position. For Iisalo, the clock is ticking. He doesn't have to make the playoffs this year, but the team must show tangible progress and a coherent system. His ability to manage rotations and develop young players like Boozer will be judged closely. The upcoming schedule will test his strategies immediately.
The Grizzlies' season outlook is cautiously optimistic but grounded in recent struggles. Integrating rookie Cameron Boozer as a potential leader is a positive step. The collective health of the roster, especially Zach Edey, is better than last year's injury-ravaged campaign. However, the Western Conference is unforgiving. Turning potential into wins requires the three highlighted figures to deliver. Edey must anchor the defense, the point guards must stabilize the offense, and Iisalo must prove his philosophy works. Their success or failure will write the story of Memphis's 2026-27 season. Fans can follow the team's progress and stats as this new chapter unfolds.
