3 things Memphis Grizzlies need to do to make it to the playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season

The bottom of the Western Conference in the NBA is competitive as ever, and things will have to go just right if the Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to return to the playoffs in 2022. There could be 12 teams in the West striving to make the postseason, and with just eight available slots, some teams are bound to be disappointed.

The Golden State Warriors are expected to take a jump with the return of Klay Thompson. San Antonio can never be counted out with Gregg Popovich as head coach. The Kings and Timberwolves are hoping to get their franchises headed in the right direction.

With one of the youngest rosters in the league, the Memphis Grizzlies still have plenty to prove and questions that need to be answered. There are a few key factors in their success this upcoming season.

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#3 Memphis Grizzlies must ensure that Jaren Jackson Jr. remains healthy

Jaren Jackson Jr against the Detroit Pistons

Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 11 games last season after returning from a torn meniscus. In his first two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, he never surpassed 60 total games played.

Outside of Ja Morant, Jackson probably possesses the highest ceiling on this roster and is a clear focal point who has been underwhelming so far. The apparent standout skill for Jackson at the moment is his high-level three-point shooting at 6'11". Given the lack of spacing on this Memphis Grizzlies roster, his shooting ability has become all the more crucial.

A healthy Jackson will help optimize Morant's elite driving ability after the departure of Jonas Valanciunas. Additionally, Jackson came into the NBA with high expectations on the defensive end of the floor that he has not lived up to.

It's difficult to make progress when you're not on the floor, and Jackson is a key factor to the Memphis Grizzlies' success this upcoming season and in the future. Notable improvements in his rim protection, perimeter containment, and rebounding would do wonders for the team's present and future.

Defining his position, whether it be a power forward or center, is something that head coach Taylor Jenkins could be focused on. Again, something that is only possible to figure out if Jackson remains healthy. The Memphis Grizzlies cannot reach their ceiling with him sidelined.

#2 Memphis Grizzlies' young bench pieces need to shine consistently

Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke containing Anthony Edwards

Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies bench was more impactful than many expected. The likes of De'Anthony Melton, Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, and Xavier Tillman were all promising in flashes.

Bane showed an elite ability to shoot the ball from downtown, knocking down an absurd 43.2% of his attempts. With Grayson Allen traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Bane is likely to see more opportunities and will need to continue to prove himself on the defensive end in a larger role.

De'Anthony Melton is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league at his size and has become a staple of the rotation. Despite the Memphis Grizzlies acquiring Kris Dunn this offseason while still rostering Tyus Jones, it would be surprising if Melton was not the backup point for most of the season.

Brandon Clarke is a weird one. After an encouraging rookie season, his jump shot was reworked with poor results. He slid from 35.9% in Year One to 26% last season. Rediscovering his success from range would greatly benefit the Memphis Grizzlies' playoff chances.

Xavier Tillman, another multi-year college player, showed promise on both ends during his rookie campaign last season and should be trusted with a handful of minutes on a nightly basis.

Point being, the Memphis Grizzlies roster more quality NBA rotation players than a majority of teams in the league. Most of them are young, but if they can prove to be consistent then the ability to stay afloat with one or both of Morant and/or Jackson getting a rest could be critical.

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#1 Ja Morant needs to take a significant leap

Ja Morant before a playoff showdown with the Utah Jazz

Ja Morant is the team's clear leader, and his offensive burden could notably increase this upcoming season. Hopefully that will lead to more opportunities for Morant to expand his game and convert a higher percentage of his jump shots.

With Jonas Valaciunas being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Memphis Grizzlies are losing one of their top three scorers from last year. Valaciunas' presence was essential to the offense of the Memphis Grizzlies and Steven Adams can't be asked to handle the same amount of responsibility on that end.

So the other guys have to step up; the aforementioned bench and Jaren Jackson Jr. included, but primarily their centerpiece, Ja Morant.

The most obvious aspect of Morant's game to show progress is in his three-point shot. With the shooting downgrade from Valciunas to Adams, Morant may have fewer opportunities to go downhill, leading to more jumpers.

Last season, Morant digressed to 30.3% from three on 3.8 attempts per night from 33.5% on 2.7 attempts in the year prior. Shooting is essential in today's NBA and any player with Morant's downhill threat would greatly benefit from being respected by defenders on the perimeter.

The Memphis Grizzlies offense will go as far as Ja Morant takes them. While that could be an overwhelming responsibility for a player just entering his third season, Morant seems up to the challenge.

Defensively, the team should be solid on a night-in and night-out basis. Without all-star level production from Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will struggle to keep up offensively and compete for the playoffs in the Western Conference.