The Memphis Grizzlies are officially starting over. After trading franchise cornerstones Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the team is building around the No. 3 overall pick, Duke's Cameron Boozer. This new era follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign that ended with just 25 wins and a five-game losing streak, capped by a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026.
What is the Grizzlies' new roster outlook?
The front office made two seismic moves to reshape the team. They sent two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason. Last season, they traded former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. These deals signal a clear pivot towards a long-term youth movement.
With the third pick from their 25-57 record, Memphis selected forward Cameron Boozer. Scouts view him as a potential franchise-changing talent. He will join a young core featuring second-year center Zach Edey and third-year wing Cedric Coward. The Grizzlies also added veterans Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post for experience and depth. You can track the evolving team on our [squad](/squad) page.
Why did Memphis finish last season so poorly?
The 2025-26 season was a struggle on both ends of the court. Their offensive rating ranked near the bottom of the league, and defensively they couldn't replace Jackson Jr.'s rim protection. The team's recent form shows the scale of the challenge, having lost their final five games. That 0-5 skid included the heavy defeat to Houston to close the season.
Injuries and inconsistency plagued the roster throughout the year. Without a true primary scorer after moving Morant, the offense often stalled. The lack of a cohesive identity was evident in their -7.5 average point differential. Checking the [standings](/standings) from that season shows just how far they fell in the Western Conference.
What is the plan for the 2026-27 season?
Expectations are realistically low for immediate wins. The focus will be squarely on player development and establishing a new system. Head coach Taylor Jenkins will need to integrate Boozer's versatile scoring and Edey's interior presence quickly. Building chemistry among the young players is the primary goal for the first half of the schedule.
The front office will likely remain active in seeking out additional young talent. They possess future draft capital from the Morant and Jackson trades. This season is about evaluating which pieces fit long-term. Fans should watch for growth in individual stats like rebounds and assists from the core group.
How does Cameron Boozer fit into this rebuild?
Boozer is the centerpiece. At Duke, he averaged 18.5 points and 9.1 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor with a developing three-point shot makes him an ideal modern forward. He will be asked to contribute immediately, likely starting from day one.
His defensive potential is also significant. While not the shot-blocker Jackson was, Boozer has the lateral quickness to guard multiple positions. Pairing him with Edey in the frontcourt creates an intriguing blend of size and skill. His progress will be the single biggest storyline for Memphis all season. Follow his and the team's numbers on our [stats](/stats) hub.
The path ahead is long. The Grizzlies have committed to a full rebuild, banking on high draft picks and internal growth. While the wins may be scarce initially, the franchise hopes this painful process lays the foundation for its next competitive window. The first test comes in preseason, and the regular season [fixtures](/fixtures) will show how this young group stacks up.
