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Playing without Ja Morant isn’t new to the Memphis Grizzlies, and that’s what coach Taylor Jenkins is relying on as he prepares his team for life without the all-star point guard for 25 games.
In past years, this is when the Grizzlies would just insert Tyus Jones in as a starter and continue to look like an upper-tier Western Conference team, but Memphis traded its former backup point guard in a three-team deal that landed Marcus Smart. Without Jones, Smart and free agent signee Derrick Rose will assume most of the minutes in place of Morant, who was suspended for brandishing a gun in a viral Instagram video.
“Our system doesn’t change,” Jenkins said on NBA TV when asked about playing without Morant. “What we emphasize offensively — the pace, the space, the unselfishness — defensively, the discipline nature that we got to have every single night, that’s what we’re going to lean on.”
The Grizzlies will depend on Rose and Smart to step in and play big minutes, but replacing Morant’s production will be a collaborative effort, Jenkins said. That starts with Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., whom the Grizzlies will rely on even more next season.
Bane has grown into a good enough secondary playmaker that the Grizzlies can play him at point guard in stretches. Jackson took a step forward last season as an offensive presence in the paint, but now he must grow in his ability to counter double teams.
The Grizzlies went 11-10 last season without Morant. While playing .500 basketball without a star player isn’t the worst-case scenario, Memphis is capable of more with its depth of talent.
“Other guys taking upper growth opportunities,” Jenkins said. “(Bane) taking the next step, Jaren taking the next step. That’s what we need.”
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Taylor Jenkins says how Memphis Grizzlies will play without Ja Morant
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Author : The Commercial Appeal
Publish date : 2023-07-06 01:07:58
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