The key for the Memphis Grizzlies to clearly be NBA championship contenders

One of the main reasons behind the resurgence of the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference this season has been their adequate depth and versatility at both ends of the floor. Despite being among the top seven in the association in both offensive and defensive rating, they have experienced a frustrating stretch defensively. In January, they rank 26th in defense. Additionally, they rank 28th in three-point defense.

As the regular season progresses, the Grizzlies hope to enter the break with a significant push. The evident absence at the point of attack of defensive specialists Vince Williams Jr. and Marcus Smart has been sorely missed lately. Their contributions would be essential for a unit hoping to regain the defensive prominence that was exemplified earlier this season.

Injuries have become a common occurrence for Marcus Smart since he arrived in Memphis. Smart suffered a partial tear of the extensor hood of his right index finger in late December. Since joining the Grizzlies in 2023, Smart has been available for 38 out of 130 possible games. According to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Marcus Smart remains week-to-week as he recovers from the finger injury. While this is a small sample of just 18 games, the Grizzlies have a defensive rating of 105.5 with Smart on the court.

Smart's ingenuity on the offensive end, his physicality, and versatility at that end of the floor are defensive components Jenkins lacks in abundance. According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, Smart will be a focal point in trade discussions before the deadline. Despite his somewhat underwhelming tenure to this point, Smart has a notable market to keep an eye on.

Williams Jr.'s Return and Jaylen Wells' Impact

The Grizzlies aim to regain versatile forward Vince Williams Jr. after the All-Star break as he continues to recover from a grade three ankle sprain in his right ankle. Williams Jr.'s contributions as one of the Grizzlies' versatile defenders will be highly valued upon his return. Standout rookie forward Jaylen Wells has done a phenomenal job playing the point of attack role at this stage of his career. The second-round player routinely assumes the task of being the opponent's most valued perimeter scorer.

Jaylen Wells' ability to defend, force opponents into low-percentage shots, and play shooting guard has been crucial for the Grizzlies all season long. Wells' significant impact on that side of the floor, coupled with Williams Jr.'s versatility, will be the Grizzlies' defensive ace. In last night's 120-119 home victory against the Houston Rockets, Wells' defense against Rockets' star guard Jalen Green in the final possession was decisive in forcing the Rockets into a short missed three-point attempt by Fred VanVleet. Wells has already become one of the Grizzlies' most reliable defenders.

The association is well aware of the Grizzlies' scoring ability. The Grizzlies have been one of the league leaders in most offensive categories. Continued emphasis on the defensive side of the court will make this unit a nightmare to contend with for opponents come spring. Additionally, the All-Star break will allow many Grizzlies to rest and regain rhythm. Grizzlies' franchise star, Ja Morant, was sidelined last night due to discomfort in his right shoulder. With the Grizzlies at full health, Western Conference teams will have to face a formidable force.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La clave para que los Memphis Grizzlies sean claramente candidatos al anillo de la NBA