In the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Grizzlies stole Game 1 from the Jazz, but Utah took the next four contests to eliminate Memphis. Still, the series was a major step forward for Taylor Jenkins' young squad.
The Grizzlies weren't content with simply being a young team that exceeded expectations, though. They wanted much more — especially Ja Morant.
After Memphis' Game 5 loss, the electric point guard posted a message on social media that, in retrospect, served as a warning to the rest of the league: "Wait for next season." Only a year after being forced to earn an NBA Playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament, the Grizzlies enter the 2022 Western Conference bracket as the No. 2 seed.
Young, fast and teeming with attitude, the Grizzlies could be ready to take the next step in these NBA Playoffs. The front office put together a group that has quickly blown away expectations and is looking to prove itself as a legitimate championship contender.
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Jaren Jackson Jr., the first pillar
After the 2017-18 season, it was clear that the Grizzlies' "Grit'N'Grind" era was over. Memphis hit the rebuild button following a 22-60 campaign and landed the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The front office selected a player capable of making a major impact on both sides of the floor: Jaren Jackson Jr. The former Michigan State star soon justified his high selection over prospects like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Porter Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr., though there were some concerns.
Jackson had health problems that limited his availability early in his career, so his development was not always perfectly linear. Still, his potential, particularly on the defensive end, was obvious. He was the prototype for the modern big, someone capable of protecting the paint and switching on the perimeter.
Of course, Jackson needed some help to really kick the turnaround into another gear.
Ja Morant, the key player
Once you see one of Ja Morant's eye-popping highlights, you can't wait to catch the next one. But look beyond the spectacular moves and high-flying dunks, and you'll see a scholar of the game who can break down defenses with an incredible basketball mind.
From the moment he debuted with the Grizzlies in 2019, it was clear that Morant was going to be the player who filled the void as the face of the franchise. There were still elements of "Grit'N'Grind," but with Morant as the cornerstone, Memphis' ceiling jumped to another level.
"I feel like the talent was always there. We just have to piece it together, and a lot of credit goes to our front office and our coaching staff giving us the right pieces to be good as soon as we started," Morant said before the start of the 2021-22 season (via The Athletic's Joe Vardon). "My mindset when I was coming here was not being a lottery pick again unless we trading someone. I was coming here to win, and I was able to do that my first two years, basically making it my first year, making it my second ... still not satisfied.
"I want to go farther. I want a championship."
Taylor Jenkins, the architect
After being hired by the Grizzlies in 2019, Taylor Jenkins looked back at two teams in order to create his blueprint: Don Nelson's Mavericks, who became known for their offensive versatility and quickness around Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, and Gregg Popovich's Spurs, a long and enduring dynasty built around team culture and each player knowing in his role.
Memphis can push the pace and score on fast breaks, but it is also comfortable executing half-court sets with precision. The Grizzlies can adapt to any style, and that makes them dangerous come NBA Playoff time.
They weren't ready to take down the Jazz last year, but these aren't the same Grizzlies this time around. Just wait.
How did these Grizzlies come together?
| Player | How he joined the Grizzlies |
| Ja Morant | 2019 NBA Draft |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 2018 NBA Draft |
| Desmond Bane | 2020 NBA Draft (via trade) |
| Dillon Brooks | 2017 trade |
| Steven Adams | 2021 trade |
| De'Anthony Melton | 2019 trade |
| Ziaire Williams | 2021 NBA Draft |
| Kyle Anderson | 2018 free agency |
| Tyus Jones | 2019 free agency |
| Brandon Clarke | 2019 NBA Draft (via trade) |
| John Konchar | 2019 free agency |
| Xavier Tillman | 2020 NBA Draft (via trade) |
| Santi Aldama | 2021 NBA Draft (via trade) |
| Jarrett Culver | 2021 trade |
