Memphis Grizzlies Face Rebuild After Disappointing Playoff Exit and Roster Concerns

April 28, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies Face Rebuild After Disappointing Playoff Exit and Roster Concerns
  • The Thunder dominated the series, winning the first two games by a combined 70 points and overcoming a 29-point deficit in Game 3 after Ja Morant suffered a critical injury.

  • Overall, the Grizzlies find themselves in a precarious position, needing to reassess their approach and potentially reorganize their roster to compete against dominant teams.

  • The Memphis Grizzlies faced a disappointing early exit from the NBA playoffs, being swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder after finishing the season with 48 wins as the eighth seed.

  • Grizzlies president Zach Kleiman expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing that merely reaching the playoffs is not sufficient for the franchise's aspirations.

  • The Grizzlies experienced a dramatic decline in performance, dropping from second place in the Western Conference to a play-in tournament spot, raising concerns about roster stability.

  • From February 8 to the end of the regular season, the Grizzlies recorded a dismal 1-13 against top teams, indicating deeper issues within the organization.

  • Morant, who missed 32 games during the season, expressed that the series could have turned in Memphis's favor had he not been injured, particularly after leading significantly in Game 3.

  • Reflecting on the season, guard Desmond Bane described it as tough, acknowledging the team's struggles despite being a two-time No. 2 seed in recent years.

  • In light of their disappointing playoff run, the franchise faces critical decisions, including whether to remove the interim tag from coach Tuomas Iisalo, who has garnered support from players.

  • Iisalo is being considered for the permanent head coach position, with players like Ja Morant praising his coaching abilities and connection during game discussions.

  • Despite the challenges, both Kleiman and Morant acknowledged the potential within the team, highlighting the talent of core players including Desmond Bane, Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

  • The team must also navigate complicated trade scenarios involving valuable players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, as they seek to improve their chances moving forward.

Summary based on 4 sources


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