Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo has three clear objectives as the team opens training camp, aiming to steer the franchise through its second rebuild in under a decade. With a young core and strategic veterans, Iisalo's decisions in camp will shape the team's immediate future.
Three starting spots seem locked in. Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is a certain starter. Cedric Coward, a reigning All-Rookie First Team selection, will join him. Center Zach Edey is also viewed by Iisalo as a key piece on both ends of the floor. That leaves point guard and small forward up for grabs.
The point guard competition is wide open after Ja Morant's departure. Ty Jerome showed high efficiency in limited minutes last year. Scotty Pippen Jr. Offers a stronger two-way presence, and Cam Spencer has experience in a combo guard role for Memphis. The decision will reveal what Iisalo values most in his lead guard.
At small forward, Jaylen Wells has a solid history with the team as a former All-Rookie player. GG Jackson is entering a contract year with extra motivation. Jerami Grant, the most notable return from the Morant trade, averaged over 18 points per game for Portland last season. This battle will be intense.
This question might need a full season to answer, and it could shift from game to game. But training camp is where the initial hierarchy gets set. Even without a consensus Top-100 NBA player, this Grizzlies roster has impressive depth.
If the starting five is Jerome, Coward, Grant, Boozer, and Edey, the next group is clear. Scotty Pippen Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Quinten Post, and Jaylen Wells will all demand minutes. Expand that to include GG Jackson and Cam Spencer, and you have 11 players with a legitimate case for playing time.
That list doesn't include Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who finished last season strongly, or 2026 first-round pick Karim Lopez. There aren't enough minutes for everyone in a standard NBA rotation. Iisalo is unlikely to use a 13-man rotation, so tough choices are coming. Who plays, and who they share the floor with, will be a major storyline.
Final roster cuts are always a challenge, and the Grizzlies' depth makes it harder. Beyond the core players mentioned, veterans like D'Angelo Russell and Taylor will be fighting for spots. The preseason will be an audition for every player on the fringe.
Iisalo must balance developing young talent like Boozer and Lopez with use experienced players who can help win games now. The end of last season showed the need for improvement, with losses like the 147-101 defeat to Utah on April 11 and a 136-119 loss to Denver on April 9.
Every practice and preseason game will be evaluated. Performance, fit within Iisalo's system, and specific team needs will determine the final 15. Fans can track the evolving roster and upcoming challenges on the team's schedule page. The work in camp sets the foundation for reversing last season's tough finish.
