5 questions for Grizzlies amid NBA suspension
It's been almost three weeks since the NBA suspended its season over the coronavirus pandemic, and there remains no clear answer when it will resume. The Grizzlies' promising season hangs in the balance. They not only chased a playoff spot, but Ja Morant also was in line to be the second player in franchise history to be named Rookie of the Year. Here are five questions with the Grizzlies' season on pause.
Could the Grizzlies get the No. 8 seed?
The Grizzlies have a 31⁄2 game lead over the Trail Blazers, Pelicans and Kings with 17 games left. But the Grizzlies' loss to the Magic on March 10 started a stretch in which all but one remaining game was against a team contending for a playoff spot or the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
How would one of the NBA'S youngest teams keep handling a playoff race? Would Justise Winslow's and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s return from injuries be enough to keep hope alive? Would the Trail Blazers' and Pelicans' easier schedules make for a stressful month?
The race was already fun, but it was getting better before the NBA suspended play. Now fans have to wonder whether that drama will resume
Will Ja Morant lock up Rookie of the Year?
Zion Williamson was averaging 26.4 points on 59.8% shooting in his last 11 games. The Pelicans forward looked every bit like the No. 1 overall pick with his highlights and dynamic play. But there's nothing he can do to supplant Morant.
Morant's 27-point, 14-assist performance to beat the Lakers on Feb. 29 was enough evidence to show why he's made the Grizzlies a playoff contender. He was still leading all qualified rookies in points, assists and double-doubles, so the question isn't his resume; it's how he would've added to it to finish the year.
Could he break the Grizzlies' rookie record with 15 assists in a game? Who else would he have dunked on to send Memphis and NBA fans into a frenzy? That's what's being missed now
How would Justise Winslow have fit in?
Winslow was oh-so-close to making his Grizzlies debut. On March 11, just moments before the NBA suspended its season, he was listed as questionable on the team's injury report instead of out.
Winslow hadn't appeared in a game since Jan. 8 because of a back injury, but he'd give the team another scorer who can attack the rim as well as another strong perimeter defender. He also would boost an already strong bench.
At the same time, how long would it take Winslow to be in game shape and be a consistent contributor? Remember, it took a healthy Josh Jackson several games to find his footing. Still, Winslow's adjustment would be a fun subplot.
How will Fedexforum greet Marc Gasol on his return?
March 28 was supposed to be a homecoming for Gasol, who was traded to the Raptors last season and won an NBA championship. It's not just Gasol being a part of the “Core Four," though. He grew up in the city and attended Lausanne before beginning his pro career in Spain.
What would the Grizzlies do for his tribute video? How long would the ovation be when Gasol was introduced for the first time? Gasol's return would close the final chapter of fans paying respect to the Grit and Grind era, and now that's on hold.
Will two Grizzlies be on the All-rookie first team?
Morant's spot is already locked in, but Brandon Clarke had an argument to be honored as well before he suffered a right quadriceps injury on Feb. 24. Despite only three starts, he's second among qualified rookies with 5.8 rebounds and also averaged 12 points on 62.3% shooting.
Clarke's injury timeline was less clear than that of Winslow or Jackson, but he was expected to return this season. Could he have made one last push to remind voters why he was a crucial part of the Grizzlies' bench?
Clarke was headed for an All-rookie year regardless of his injury, but in a year with few standout rookies, he was playing at a pace where he could've joined Morant on the first team.