The Memphis Grizzlies' official 2026-27 season outlook has been released by NBA.com, framing a year of major transition. This follows a 25-57 campaign that ended with five straight losses, including a 132-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets on April 13. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo now leads a roster that looks completely different after a busy summer of moves.
The team's identity has been remade through significant additions and subtractions. Key new faces include forward Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, forward Jerami Grant, guard D'Angelo Russell, and forward Isaiah Stewart. They join holdovers like last season's All-Rookie First Team selection, Cedric Coward.
Departures are headlined by the franchise-altering trade of guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers. Also gone are forwards Santi Aldama and Taj Gibson, along with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The deal for Morant brought Grant to Memphis, part of a strategy to build a more versatile lineup.
Boozer made an immediate impact in NBA Summer League play. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He shot 45.2% from the field and earned a spot on the Summer League First Team, leading the Grizzlies to the championship game.
His playmaking and physicality have drawn early comparisons to the multi-skilled approach of the 2025-26 champion New York Knicks. "Versatility is the name of the game," Boozer said. "Teams want five guys who can make plays. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios."
The Grizzlies are widely expected to start Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, Cameron Boozer, and center Zach Edey. On paper, that group offers Iisalo a decent foundation with size and skill. Boozer is slated to be a day-one starter alongside Coward.
However, expectations for wins remain tempered. The team is likely headed for the NBA lottery again.
The immediate focus is on media day and the start of training camp for the 2026-27 season. The long-term plan is clear: develop the young core, led by Boozer, and use future draft capital to add more talent. Another high draft pick could accelerate the rebuild.
Fans can track the team's progress and check the full schedule on our schedule page. The front office believes this painful period is necessary to construct a sustainable winner. While victories may be scarce initially, the new-look Grizzlies promise a different brand of basketball focused on versatility and collective play.
