CHICAGO – Minor injury snags have stalled two-thirds of the primary core, but Desmond Bane remains focused on establishing chemistry as the Grizzlies balance patience and progress through their preseason development.
That next delicate step comes as the Grizzlies open a two-game road exhibition set starting Saturday against the Bulls at the midway point of the preseason. From there, the Pacers await Monday before the Grizzlies wrap up preseason play at home next Friday against the Heat.
Memphis will likely continue to be without All-Stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as a precaution for the remaining preseason games as they regroup from minor injuries.
Morant sat out Thursday’s preseason loss to the Hornets after sustaining a minor ankle sprain during Monday’s exhibition opener in Dallas. Jackson, who has not played in the preseason, sustained a low-level hamstring strain during the first practice of training camp on Oct. 1.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed that Jackson and Morant are conditioning at practices and are projected to be available for the Oct. 23 regular-season opener at Utah.
Jackson and Morant are contributing at workouts, but their absences in preseason games are difficult to overcome for a team installing new concepts on offense and defense. Morant, a two-time All-Star and the playmaking point guard, engineers the offense. Jackson, the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the unit on the other end of the floor.
Bane, the high-scoring guard who rounds out the star trio, was hoping to use the preseason to reestablish rhythm among the group that would carry them into the start of the season.
That process now might require a bit more time.
“It’s huge,” Bane said of the challenge to establish continuity with limited time on the court together during the preseason. “We’ve never really had a chance to build a ton of chemistry, especially since we’re playing a new offense. We’re all learning. It’s new for everybody. We’re in this thing together, and we’re just going to continue to keep building.”
After enduring one of the most brutal rashes of injuries in NBA history last season, the Grizzlies are understandably erring on the side of caution with their primary rotation players.
That list could grow to include veteran guard Marcus Smart, who left midway through Thursday’s game after he banged knees with Hornets rookie Tidjane Salaun. Smart admitted after the game his knee was sore, but that he would be available if it were the regular season.
The Grizzlies were also without veteran forward Brandon Clarke, who nursed minor knee soreness coming off Wednesday’s practice and Monday’s team-leading, 17-point effort in the win at Dallas. Memphis was already without promising young forwards GG Jackson (foot surgery recovery) and Vince Williams Jr. (leg stress fracture), who are rehabbing more serious injuries.
Jenkins insists plenty must still get accomplished on and off the court in the days ahead, even as precautions are taken with some players to preserve their health for the start of the season.
“I actually talked to both of those guys about being fully invested in all the practice reps and using their voices,” Jenkins said of the involvement of Morant and Jackson. “I want them to get mental reps, whether it’s through film sessions or their teammates’ film feedback that they’re getting. They’ve been ever present, so we’re going to make the most of the situation over the next week-plus. And thankfully, they’re going to be ready for opening night.”
The Grizzlies look to improve on two erratic performances from their initial preseason games. During the 121-116 win against the Mavericks, Memphis showed promising signs with its higher-paced offense. They dished 35 assists and had seven players score in double figures.
There was a starkly different outcome in Thursday’s 119-94 setback to the Hornets, who sliced up the Grizzlies’ defense to score 50 points in the paint and made 18 shots from 3-point range. There have been issues protecting the basketball as the Grizzlies adapt to playing at a faster pace, with cashing in on early transition opportunities a top priority in the new scheme.
Through the two preseason games, Memphis has given up 58 points on 45 turnovers. Working through kinks is what the preseason is for, and the Grizzlies are learning through adversity.
“We’ve got to continue to stay connected,” guard Luke Kennard said of the adjustment process. “The way we play fast, it’s going to be an up-and-down game. Everybody is important in what we’re trying to do on the court. Everybody’s trying to learn what we can do in certain situations. It’s all new to everybody, and we’re doing a good job focusing in on that. We’ll get there.”
And, eventually, Jackson and Morant will be back to help ignite the system.
Bane trusts things will ultimately fall into place as the Grizzlies assemble all the pieces.
“For as early as it’s been, we’re doing a really good job,” Bane said of embracing the challenging schemes. “It’s not only catching on to it but putting it into the games and applying it. It’s also not being scared to fail. And I think that’s going to continue to make us better.”
The Grizzlies’ goal is to have everything – and almost everyone – regular-season ready.
Even if it means enduring a few preseason growing pains.