The Memphis Grizzlies fell short of winning the 2024 NBA Summer League championship. Despite not having their star 1st round pick Zach Edey, Memphis still went 5-0 during this summer season. Even with good performances from Memphis players like guard Scotty Pippen Jr., forward GG Jackson II, and forward Jake LaRavia, who have displayed great skills throughout the entire summer season. The Grizzlies still couldn’t fight their way to a win in overtime against the Miami Heat. Puzzling as it may sound, losing the NBA Summer League championship provides the Grizzlies with a crucial advantage. Yes, you read that previous sentence correctly. Memphis walked away with much confidence about its near future that its passionate play inspired.
The team was nursing a few injuries. Former Purdue standout center Zach Edey had ankle issues throughout the Summer League. Also, Jake LaRavia missed a few games because of injuries. However, the Grizzlies did have players display good potential and skills during the summer season. Memphis will have serious conversations about the future of several players on the team as it seeks to return to being an authentic contender for the NBA Championship. The injury bug ran wild in the Memphis Grizzlies organization last season, and getting weapons to fight their way to an NBA Championship title is a must. So, how will they accomplish it?
Memphis Grizzlies Show Positive Signs
A few Grizzlies stood out during the summer season. Some think adding these players to the roster could be a big gain for the franchise. One player who impressed many is GG Jackson II. During the 2024 NBA Summer League, Jackson II averaged 22 points per game, shot 44% from the field, and averaged 40% from behind the three-point line. In the championship game, the Memphis forward scored 28 points on 68% shooting from the field, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Jackson dropped three shots from the arch, going three for four.
Memphis Grizzlies Scotty Pippen Jr. recently delivered a triple-double in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Pippen Jr. has consistently performed well this summer. Whether it was dropping dimes, grabbing boards, picking pockets, or going to the hole, Pippen Jr. was a skillful jewel in this summer. Displaying all-round skill as a point guard during this summer, Pippen Jr. averaged 21.5 points per game on 47% shooting from the field, 35% from three-point land, averaged five rebounds per game, 8.6 assists per game, and 3.3 steals per game.
In the 120-118 loss against the Heat in the 2024 NBA Summer League championship game, Pippen Jr. scored 28 points, dished out 11 assists, stole the ball four times, and contributed two blocks. He’s accustomed to thriving as a key contributor to his team, dating back to his stellar play at Vanderbilt. This promising guard deserves more time to acclimate himself to the NBA game. However, NBA fans, especially Memphis fans, shouldn’t be stunned to see him become a reliable contributor sooner rather than later.
Summer League Team Bounce?
https://gty.im/2147667822
One question the Grizzlies have to ask themselves is, how do we take this newfound potential in these players and combine it with the current roster? Grizzlies stars like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane can’t shelter the full load of getting the Grizzlies back to being contenders. They are going to need some help. After finishing 27-55 last season and being riddled with injuries, the team is readying itself to return to the Western Conference Finals.
Will Zach Edey be available for the preseason? Only time will tell. If he can display the same talent we saw during the game against the Utah Jazz, he will solidify the center position. If Pippen Jr. can come off the bench and display his talents, Memphis will improve its records from last season. Jackson II’s positive productivity gives the team reason to hope for better days in the upcoming season. If the Grizzlies can stay healthy and their young squad continues their great play, one could say they have an excellent chance to win the NBA Championship in the upcoming season. To be clear, though, if an if was a fifth, we’d all be drunk.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
