The Grizzlies are the biggest contender for the NBA title

Even though Ja Morant (10), Desmond Bane (seven) and Marcus Smart (10) have missed some games so far, the Grizzlies have stayed afloat with an impressive 12-7 record. And now that they’re almost healthy and whole again, Memphis is in full swing.

In their ongoing four-game winning streak, the Grizzlies are averaging 128.3 points and 33.3 assists on 52/42/77 shooting distribution. Head coach Taylor Jenkins’ team scored a ton of points across the board, with as many as eight players averaging double figures.

The emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr. as a reserve floor general and scorer has given Memphis a strong four-man guard rotation and a host of high-profile bigs like Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

The Grizzlies are somewhat undersized on the wings, but Jekins’ decision to use Jackson and Clarke – two versatile big men – has added flexibility to the perimeter defense. While Jaylen Wells has made the three-man spot his own, Memphis could eventually use Bane at small forward if they opt for the backcourt of Morant and Smart.

Because of all the injuries, Jenkins has already used up to 10 different starting units, but it looks like he’ll be replacing Jackson, Clarke, Wells, Bane and Morant for now, with Smart coming off the bench. This unit has performed exceptionally well in their limited time together, particularly in defense. As one of the deepest and most talented teams in the NBA, the Grizzlies have the luxury of bringing Smart, Aldama, Edey, Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard and other premier role players off the bench.

Memphis checks every box for a title contender. It features the superstar option, two former Defensive Player of the Year winners, multiple playmakers, shooters and a deep bench. Fellow defensive star Jackson Jr., 25, is enjoying a career year as a scorer and leading the team in points.

It’s easy to forget that before the injury-plagued 2023-24 season, this team won 50-plus games two seasons in a row. Morant and Co. were next in line in the West, but were pushed into the background due to some of their own efforts. The Grizzlies appear ready to call again.