Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Former Sixth Man of the Year has strong take on Grizzlies

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/6/23

The Memphis Grizzlies have been a surprise this season for all the wrong reasons. They are often praised for their intelligent drafting and exceptional player development. However, to begin this season, they're one of the worst teams in the NBA. Of course, Ja Morant's suspension and Steven Adams' season-ending injury have a played a part.

Nevertheless, former NBA guard Lou Williams believes the team's season is already over. When speaking on a recent episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Williams shared his reasoning.

"They're done," Williams said. "This season is a wrap. This one is a wash. They're selling $4 tickets down in Memphis."

"Do we hit the panic button on this Grizzlies squad?" @MichelleDBeadle

"They're done. This season is a wrap...They're selling $4 tickets down in Memphis." @TeamLou23

"I think we hit the reset button." @DGreen_14

Is there any hope left for the Memphis Grizzlies? pic.twitter.com/Ryp546Ldhh
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 6, 2023

The Western Conference is incredibly deep. Making huge strides up the standings after a quarter of the season is in the books will be a difficult task. Morant is an exceptional talent, yet without Adams, and potentially some additional wing depth, the Grizzlies will struggle to make up lost ground.

Memphis will likely push to make the play-in tournament. However, a deep postseason run appears to be a step too far. Instead, Memphis should use this season to develop some of its younger talents and build some winning habits. Selling former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and Morant on a losing season won't be easy, but there may be no other alternative unless the front office makes a trade to turn things around.

With the Grizzlies roster constructed for the future, it's unlikely we see any irrational decisions. That won't stop the fans and media from wanting to see some changes, though. The Grizzlies got to where they are with patience and intelligence, and they will need those same traits to navigate one of their toughest seasons in recent history.

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