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#3 Jaren Jackson Jr. was sidelined for almost the entire season
Jaren Jackson Jr. was one of the most exciting players for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019-20 season. However, he sustained a knee injury in the Orlando bubble as the season came to a close.
Typically, a meniscus tear keeps players on the sidelines for three to six months, depending on the severity. But the Memphis Grizzlies were more interested in the player's future and decided to keep him on the sidelines for about eight months. Although Jonas Valanciunas did an exceptional job as the 5, the Memphis Grizzlies frontcourt was not as formidable as most in the league.
The center returned just in time to help his team secure a playoff berth. Although he struggled to get points on the board, he was a force for the Memphis Grizzlies defensively as he averaged career-high numbers in blocks and steals. Jackson played only eleven games in the regular season but featured in the play-in and playoff fixtures.
#4 The Memphis Grizzlies' offense was average
Offense was not the Memphis Grizzlies' strongest attribute as they were average going forward. Their performance in the offense was in contrast to their defensive effort as they were 6th (111.0) in the league's defensive rating. On offense, they were ranked 15th in offensive rating (112.0) and also hold the same spot in points per game (113.3).
Dillon Brooks was a menace on defense as he made sure nothing hit past him. Although he put in the same effort on offense, he was not as productive. He finished the season as the Memphis Grizzlies' second-best scorer, averaging 17.2 points.
Valanciunas and Kyle Anderson also provided scoring options for the Memphis Grizzlies but failed to convert on as many chances as they got. Anderson shot 46.8% from the field, while the big man had a field percentage of .592.
#5 The Memphis Grizzlies bench was not always reliable
The Memphis Grizzlies had decent players like Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke come off the bench. However, their contributions were not always effective, talking more about being consistent.
Bane averaged 9.2 points and 3.1 rebounds, while Clarke finished the season with 10.3 points per game and 5.6 assists. While asking for an elite bench might be a long shot for the Memphis Grizzlies, a unit that can produce more while the starters take a break is important.
Regardless, it is worth noting that Tyus Jones has been nothing but exceptional as a backup guard for Morant. Although he's not the most explosive player in the league, his efforts on offense are commendable.
The Memphis Grizzlies do not have any players in the top 25 scorers coming off the bench. If they hope to better their 38-34 run in the upcoming season, bolstering their bench quality is essential.
