The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary

**Memphis Grizzlies (MEM)**

​

**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 18-29

Last 10: 4-6

Record Against top ten teams: 1-12

Preseason Expected Wins: 45.5

Current Pace: 31-51

Power Ranking Tier: Hit the Clubs (F)

​

**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 107.8 (30th)

Defensive Rating: 113.0 (10th)

Net Rating: -5.2 (25th)

Pace: 99.2 (16th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: J. Jackson Jr. – J. Konchar – V. Williams Jr.

(3): M. Smart – J. Jackson Jr. – D. Bane

Net Rating: 8.3

(Net Rating): -3.0

Minutes played(374): 216

4: M. Smart – X. Tillman – D. Bane – D. Roddy

(4): B. Biyombo – M. Smart – J. Jackson Jr. – D. Bane

Net Rating: 27.1

(Net Rating): -1.6

Minutes Played(143): 48

5: B. Biyombo – J. Jackson Jr. – J. Morant – D. Bane – V. Williams Jr.

(5): M. Smart – J. Jackson Jr. – X. Tillman – D. Bane – Z. Williams

Net Rating: 19.6

(Net Rating): -5.3

Minutes Played(68): 38

​

**Three best players:**

\*Ja is clearly the best player on the team but due to the 9 game sample size I have chosen to exclude him\*

Desmond Bane:

24 Points/ 5 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 55.1% 3pt%: 38.4% Ft%: 86.4%

Desmond Bane’s performance with the Memphis Grizzlies exemplifies a player excelling in the modern NBA’s offensive landscape, while also navigating the challenges of an increased offensive load. Bane’s scoring prowess, characterized by a remarkable blend of efficiency from the midrange and beyond the arc, establishes him as a significant offensive threat. His ability to drive and finish at the rim, coupled with a commendable 3-point shooting percentage, underscores his versatility as a scorer. Notably, his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations, along with a solid free-throw percentage, solidifies his role as a reliable and consistent offensive contributor. Despite this offensive load, Bane has managed to maintain his status as a competent defender, although the increased demand on the offensive end has inevitably led to a fair dip in his defensive performance this season. His ability to balance a high offensive output with his defensive responsibilities, albeit with some challenges, demonstrates his adaptability and importance to the Grizzlies’ lineup. As Bane continues to refine his skills and adapt to his evolving role within the team, his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court will be crucial for the Grizzlies’ success.

Jaren Jackson Jr:

22 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 2 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 2 Blocks 2pt%: 50.8% 3pt%: 31.5% Ft%: 83.4%

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s evolution with the Memphis Grizzlies highlights his emergence as a formidable force, adeptly balancing a substantial offensive role with his well-established defensive prowess. Jackson’s scoring ability is underscored by a commendable blend of efficiency from the midrange and a respectable three-point percentage, affirming his versatility and threat as an offensive player. His capacity to drive, coupled with a reliable free-throw percentage, further accentuates his role as a consistent contributor on the offensive end. Despite the increased offensive load, Jackson has maintained his stature as an exceptional defender in the rim and paint areas, a testament to his comprehensive skill set. However, this season has seen a slight shift in his defensive dynamics, with his perimeter defense experiencing a dip, a change that can be attributed to the heightened demands and energy focused on his offensive contributions. Jackson’s ability to navigate the complexities of an expanded offensive role, while striving to uphold his defensive impact, speaks volumes of his adaptability and crucial importance to the Grizzlies’ framework. As he continues to refine his balance between offense and defense, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s multifaceted game will be instrumental in steering the Grizzlies’ aspirations in the league.

Marcus Smart:

15 Points/ 3 Rebounds/ 4 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 2 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 58.3% 3pt%: 31.3% Ft%: 76.8%

Marcus Smart’s tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies epitomizes the essence of a versatile guard, adeptly balancing offensive contribution with a reinvigorated defensive tenacity. His scoring, characterized by commendable efficiency from the midrange and a solid presence in the paint, establishes Smart as a reliable offensive asset. Despite a less consistent three-point shooting percentage, his ability to drive and create scoring opportunities, coupled with a respectable free-throw percentage, underscores his multifaceted role in the Grizzlies’ offense. Notably, this season marks a significant shift in Smart’s defensive performance; after a relatively average season by his high standards, he has reasserted himself as a premier defender in the league. His commitment to defense is reflected in his ability to disrupt opponents’ plays and exert formidable pressure across the court. This resurgence in his defensive prowess, paired with his offensive contributions, highlights Smart’s invaluable impact on the team. As he continues to navigate the balance between scoring and defending, Marcus Smart’s comprehensive skill set and strategic importance to the Grizzlies solidify his status as a key player, pivotal in shaping their competitive edge in the league.

Strengths:

The Memphis Grizzlies exhibit a formidable defensive prowess, particularly excelling in safeguarding the paint, rim, and midrange, a testament to their disciplined approach and the physical dominance of their roster. Their adeptness in neutralizing opponents’ interior scoring reflects a well-coordinated and stringent defensive strategy. Further, their effective management in set defensive scenarios disrupts the rhythm of opposing offenses, underscoring their capacity to maintain a competitive stance. This defensive rigor, paired with a relatively brisk pace, projects the Grizzlies as a team with the potential to leverage their strengths, asserting their stature within the competitive fabric of the league.

Weaknesses:

On the flip side, the Memphis Grizzlies encounter substantial offensive hurdles, with shooting efficiency trailing below the league average across the board. This offensive deficiency manifests in inconsistent scoring outputs, with their three-point execution notably ranking low. Compounding this is their predictability in half-court and off-ball plays, leading to an over-reliance on certain play types. Furthermore, the team grapples with guarding the perimeter, conceding valuable points on opponents’ three-pointers, particularly corner shots. However, the anticipated return of Ja Morant next season is poised to substantially address these issues. Morant’s dynamic play and leadership were evident during the team’s impressive 6-3 run prior to his injury, indicating his pivotal role in enhancing the Grizzlies’ offensive and defensive coordination. As the Grizzlies navigate forward, refining their offensive strategy and bolstering their perimeter defense, coupled with Morant’s return, will be instrumental in transforming their potential into a more balanced and formidable force in the league.

Fun rating 1/6:

The Grizzlies are just not it this season. The injury of Ja Morant, complete lack of offensive ability, and Bismack Biyombo having to assume a starting role on an NBA team in 2024. Are just a few of the reasons why this team is not a good watch. The return of Ja next season will most likely return the Grizzlies to the top of the league in terms of excitement.

​

**The Future:**

Importance of season 3/5:

This season has proven challenging for the Grizzlies, particularly due to their impending financial constraints, often described as a complex situation with respect to the salary cap. Despite the relief from Kennard’s contract, the team is still precariously close to exceeding the second apron, a scenario less than ideal for roster flexibility. However, the silver lining in this scenario is the team’s full control over their draft capital, the presence of a promising young core, and the guidance of a capable front office. These factors collectively foster a sense of optimism that, despite the current financial hurdles, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to navigate through these challenges and emerge successfully in the forthcoming seasons.

Potential trades:

Trade 1: Trade for Mikal Bridges: If the Grizzles take a Warrior’s type view to cap space trading Luke Kennard and filler plus 3-5 1st Rounders for Bridges might be the move to make. The team would have a 4 man lineup of all star caliber players in Morant-Bane-Bridges-JJJ. Certainly a move for short term contention before the second apron constrains them too much.
Trade Goals: Honestly except for marginal trades the Grizzlies should stand pat, see who they land in the draft and reassess before the start of next season.

Upcoming Draft situation: Their 1st Rounder

Projected Tax Space: -14.7 Million

​

**TLDR:**

Summary:

Facing a challenging season, the Memphis Grizzlies have demonstrated formidable defensive prowess, particularly in rim and midrange protection, but their offense struggles with efficiency and predictability. Perimeter defense remains a weak link, although the return of Ja Morant next season is expected to revitalize both offense and defense, as evidenced by their promising performance during his brief stint. Financially, the team is navigating a tight cap situation, but they retain full control over their draft capital and benefit from a promising young core and astute front office leadership. Potential strategic moves, such as trading for Mikal Bridges, could position them for short-term contention, while maintaining a cautious approach to the draft and roster changes might be prudent given the looming cap constraints. Despite the current season’s setbacks, the Grizzlies’ future holds promise, with strategic planning and the anticipation of key players’ return setting the stage for a significant turnaround and a return to the league’s upper echelons of competition and excitement.

​

**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

​

**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

​

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

​

This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

​

**What I am looking for**

​

**Storylines/notable events:**

A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

​

**Random interesting stats:**

These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

​

**Memes:**

These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

​

**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look like, and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. Also to talk about what schemes each teams run and when. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

​

by DeficientFooting