The Memphis Grizzlies are preparing for the 2025-26 NBA season with hopes that Ja Morant’s leadership can help the team overcome their past playoff shortcomings. After achieving multiple All-Star selections in one season for the first time in franchise history, Morant stands at the center of a promising yet inconsistent squad. The Grizzlies aim to harness their growing talent and translate regular-season success into deeper playoff runs.
This past season, Morant delivered career-best numbers, averaging 27.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, showcasing remarkable athleticism that continues to captivate fans. Despite this, injuries affected key players like Desmond Bane, who had a breakout campaign, and Jaren Jackson Jr., whose absence during early games challenged the team’s consistency. The Grizzlies’ projected win total remains modest at 40.5, highlighting cautious expectations as they seek to build momentum.
Projected Starting Lineup and Bench Strength for 2025-26
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies’ anticipated starting five anchors around Ja Morant, joined by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey. Their bench unit includes players like Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, Vince Williams, Santi Aldama, and Brandon Clarke, providing depth in crucial rotation minutes. This combination attempts to balance athleticism, defense, and scoring options, but will be tested by the tough Western Conference competition.
The Grizzlies’ projected rotation next season:Starters: Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach EdeySecond Unit: Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, Vince Williams, Santi Aldama, Brandon ClarkeMemphis’ over/under win total is 40.5. pic.twitter.com/tNb0SBv48m
— Evan Sidery, NBA Analyst
At the All-Star break, Memphis held a strong 32-19 record and secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, yet playoff success eluded them. The team’s challenge lies in converting their talented roster’s potential into sustained postseason victories. Morant’s status as the focal point means the pressure rests on his leadership to guide Memphis beyond early playoff eliminations.
Stephen Curry Highlights Morant’s Exceptional Athleticism
NBA superstar Stephen Curry recently praised Ja Morant, calling him the most athletic player in the league. Curry emphasized Morant’s remarkable body control, vertical leap, and explosive energy, naming him the best athlete on a pound-for-pound basis. This endorsement underscores the growing respect Morant commands among basketball elites.
Morant’s highlight dunks, including a near dunk over 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama, have solidified his reputation as one of the most electrifying players to watch. Despite facing intermittent injuries and some off-court distractions, his consistent high-level performance earns admiration from fellow players and fans alike.
Curry’s recognition represents a strong vote of confidence that Morant’s talents can drive the Grizzlies forward, although much depends on how the team pieces together its supporting cast during critical moments.
Looking Ahead: Can Morant’s Influence Propel Memphis Beyond Past Playoff Hurdles?
The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at a crossroads, balancing hope and uncertainty as they build around Ja Morant’s leadership. Their current roster combines emerging stars with depth, but lingering doubts about consistency and health remain. The upcoming season will reveal whether Morant’s driving force can push the Grizzlies past their repeated early playoff exits.
With a cautious over/under win projection and a competitive Western Conference landscape, Memphis must optimize chemistry and resilience to make a genuine postseason impact. As Morant continues to rise, the team’s trajectory will closely follow his ability to inspire and execute under pressure, potentially marking a new chapter for the franchise’s ambitions.