Memphis Grizzlies 2021–22 NBA Roster: Can New Arrivals Steven Adams and Ziaire Williams Ensure Playoff Success for the Grizz?

The Memphis Grizzlies had a 38-34 regular-season record, which sufficed for finishing as the ninth seed of the Western Conference last season. They advanced to the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Spurs and Warriors in successive games at the play-in tournament.

For the first time since the 2016-17 season, the Grizzlies made the playoffs, although they were eliminated quickly. In the first round, Memphis lost to the Number 1 seeded Utah Jazz in five games.

However, with plenty of young talent led by Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are on the right track as a franchise. He already appears to be a star in the league when he’s only 22 years old. Even Jaren Jackson Jr has shown tremendous potential as a 22-year-old, but his career has been ridden with injuries. Nevertheless, that should excite any NBA supporter and not just a Grizzlies Fan.

So, what does their roster look like for the upcoming season?

Memphis Grizzlies Roster

Incoming Players

1. Steven Adams

Steven Adams is a monster inside the paint. The Grizzlies acquired him from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade for Valanciunas. Not only does he average almost 10 rebounds a game, but his size also benefits him to average a block per game for his career.

2. Jarrett Culver

Jarrett Culver is a talented guard who saw himself fall out of favorites in the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. He only averaged 14.7 minutes per game as opposed to the 23.9 minutes per game he had the season before last. He only started 7 of the 35 games he played. And while that is attributable to his ankle injury, he has evidently left the Timberwolves in search of more minutes on the court.

3. Ziaire Williams

Ziaire Williams is an athletic and confident guard drafted at Number 10 from Stanford. He does not hesitate to shoot or drive to the basket at full speed. Williams showed sparks of his potential in the Summer League against the Heat. He dropped 19 points on a 4 of 6 shooting from beyond the arc. His duo with Ja Morant once he becomes a starter, will be an exciting prospect for Grizzlies supporters.

4. Carsen Edwards (traded from Boston Celtics)

5. Daniel Oturu (traded from the Clippers)

6. Santi Aldama (Signed as a draft pick)

7. Kris Dunn (Traded from Boston Celtics)

8. Yves Pons (Signed as a free agent)

9. Sam Merrill (Traded from Milwaukee Bucks)

Outgoing Players

1. Jonas Valanciunas

The starting center for this franchise last season, Valanciunas was traded to the Pelicans. Steven Adams will likely replace him in the starting line-up. The dominant center averaged his career-high in rebounds and field goal percentage last season.

2. Grayson Allen

They gave the talented guard his first opportunity as a consistent starter last season. He averaged his career-high in points, assists, and rebounds considering he was a starter. However, the Grizzlies now traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks.

3. Justise Winslow (traded to the Los Angeles Clippers)

Full Memphis Grizzlies Roster

Backcourt

• Ja Morant
• Desmond Bane
• Jarrett Culver
• Kris Dunn
• Carsen Edwards
• Tyus Jones
• John Konchar
• De’Anthony Melton
• Sam Merrill
• Yves Pons
• Ziaire Williams

Frontcourt

• Kyle Anderson
• Dillon Brooks
• Steven Adams
• Jaren Jackson Jr
• Brandon Clarke
• Santi Aldama
• Daniel Oturu
• Killian Tillie
• Xavier Tillman Sr.

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