The Memphis Grizzlies secured a 104-100 preseason victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 9, continuing to build momentum ahead of their October 16 home game against the Charlotte Hornets. This win followed a 122-118 loss to the Orlando Magic and a 132-123 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. With training camp at Belmont University now complete, several pressing questions are coming into focus for this reshaped roster.
Center Zach Edey is arguably one of the most important players on this Memphis roster. He played only 11 games last season because of multiple ankle procedures. When Edey was healthy, the Grizzlies were one of the NBA's best rebounding and rim-protecting teams. After an offseason of recovery, his ability to stay on the court will be a major factor. His presence in the paint changes the team's defensive identity completely. A full season from Edey could be the difference between a playoff push and another year of development.
The team has undergone drastic changes. Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar are among the players who have left in the past calendar year. A new group of young talent has been combined with players who fit a purposeful identity of being tough, physical and defensive-minded. This shift was evident in the preseason win over Atlanta, where the team scored 132 points. The front office is clearly building a roster that prioritizes grit and defense, a classic Grizzlies hallmark. Fans can track the evolving team composition on our roster page.
Beyond Edey, training camp in Nashville was about defining roles. With so many new faces, determining the rotation and who complements the core players is a primary task for the coaching staff. The preseason games have provided the first real look at how these pieces might fit together. Performance in these exhibitions directly influences minutes when the real games begin. Every practice rep and preseason quarter is an audition for a team searching for its new hierarchy.
The immediate focus is the final preseason contest against the Charlotte Hornets at home on October 16. It's the last chance to experiment before the regular season grind begins. The 2-1 preseason record, including wins over Chicago and Atlanta, provides a foundation of confidence. But the real tests are coming soon. How this new-look Grizzlies team handles the opening weeks of the NBA schedule will tell us much more than any preseason result ever could.
