Memphis Grizzlies are sure getting a lot of attention these days. And why wouldn’t they? The Grizz certainly has the rizz! A combination of a young core, solid defense, and an up-tempo style of play has been a major reason why they’re getting the eyeballs. And then, most importantly- the return of their superstar, Ja Morant! Interestingly, it seems there might just be an interesting pattern in the NBA for the past 5 years that gives the ‘Volunteer State’ a tremendous advantage. If they play their cards right, that is.

The West is stacked with insane talent this upcoming season, teams that are ready to do anything for a shot at that Larry O’Brien. Malika Andrews, in the latest episode of NBA Today, called our attention to a very interesting development. “4 of the last 5 years- a team that has missed the playoffs the year prior has made the NBA Finals. They’re the Lakers, the Suns, the Warriors, and the Mavs,” she stated.

The 2020 Purple & Gold not only made the Finals, but they won the franchise’s 17th title. As for Phoenix in 2021, the team made the NBA Finals, eventually losing to the Bucks in a hard-fought series. Despite being up 2-0, Milwaukee hit them back with everything they had to take home the championship in four straight wins. What about the other two?

How can we ever forget the Warriors‘ fourth championship with the Dubs trio? One of the most dominant seasons of GSW, it would forever remain etched in our minds as the last time the Splash Brothers along with Draymond Green carried the team to a spectacular victory. And we don’t need to go into details about the Mavs, do we? The team made the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 and boy, did they fight a hard battle to reach there!

As Andrews pointed out, each of these teams missed the playoffs before the NBA Finals trip. The Lakers had finished 10th, the Suns – 10th, the Warriors – 9th, and the Mavericks – 11th. Yet, the very next year, they either clinched a championship or made the Finals. By this logic, Ja Morant and Co. (Morant-less for the most part, but yeah), who finished as the No. 13 seed, should be able to make the NBA Finals, at the very least.

And as Malika also pointed out, “Ja Morant is going to be playing with a major chip on his shoulder, wanting to prove everybody- ‘No, I’m still that same guy that you remember from two years ago.'” For a former NBA champion and his predictions, the Grizzlies doing exactly that is very much a reality too. Who are we talking about? And how is the Memphis side going to pull this off?

Ex-Cavs’ star ‘fully expects’ Ja Morant-led Grizzlies to go all the way in the 2024-25 season

The 25-year-old superstar has quite a lot to prove. No, not on the skill or talent front. We know very well the 6’2 point guard has some crazy skills. But through faults of his own and then factors outside of his control, he couldn’t do justice to his team. What should’ve been a breakout season for the Grizzlies turned into a nightmare.

However, Richard Jefferson believes they have more than enough to turn things around this season. And what did he have in mind? Or rather, who? “They have Jaren Jackson Jr., who won Defensive Player of the Year. You have a defensive stopper in Marcus Smart. You have an elite three-point shooter in Desmond Bane. So, to me, you’re getting guys back. Brandon Clarke, they’re gonna get back, coming off an Achilles.”

“So, they have a ton of talent. So, if you told me this team popped up in the Conference Finals, that’s not a surprise. That’s doing what they’re expected to do!” Richard Jefferson stated.

The 44-year-old certainly makes some solid points. The “Block Panther” led the 2022-23 season with 3.0 blocks per game. If it weren’t for the injury-ridden last season, there’s no doubt that he would have given Wemby a run for his game. With Smart, another DPOY in the game, they undeniably upped their defensive unit. As for Bane, he has proven himself to be a consistent three-point shooter with a career 41.5% from downtown.

Hence, if you see the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs, do not be surprised. They are just doing their job, per Jefferson. Thrilling, nonetheless!