The Grizzlies are ready to compete for the 2024/25 season, as the players are already in Memphis.
The Memphis Grizzlies are already gearing up for the 2024/25 season ahead of the NBA’s training at the start of October. While Coach Taylor Jenkins did not mandate them to come to practice, the players have taken it upon themselves to go to Memphis, get to know each other and prepare for the big regular season.
Sharpshooter Luke Kennard revealed this when he represented the team at the Memphis Redbirds’ Grizzlies Night. He even threw the first pitch at the game, which was a throwback for him, as he loved baseball growing up. However, he is a basketball player now, and his team is gearing up for a redemption campaign.
“A lot of people are in town right now. We’ve been working out, seeing each other, and spending many days together. Everybody is itching to get back out there,” Kennard said to Damichael Cole of Commercial Appeal. “Something I haven’t seen before. We’re pushing each other and competing hard. I think that’s going to go a long way. We start that right now. We’re getting a few steps ahead until the season starts.”
Why the Grizzlies want to forget the 2023/24 season
Memphis had a season from hell in the 2023/24 campaign. They expected to struggle during the first 25 games without star player Ja Morant. He was suspended due to conduct detrimental to the league, so he had to spend some time away from the team.
During Morant’s time away, the Grizzlies were already struggling with injuries. New acquisition Marcus Smart injured his abdominal area while starting center Steven Adams underwent knee surgery that declared him out for the season. The Grizzlies already had a nightmare start, with three starters missing games. Smart made it to the first regular-season game, but he was still rusty from not playing most of the preseason.
The nightmare was only beginning because the Grizzlies’ players missed 578 games due to injuries, a league record. Morant would return in December, but only for nine games until he suffered a season-ending injury. This culminated in a season where they only got a 27-55 record.
Kennard is excited for the 2024/25 season
While the Grizzlies did not get the optimal start to the season due to GG Jackson II’s foot injury, he won’t be missing a significant part of the season, as he can return around December or January. Most of the roster is healthy, leading to excitement for the team.
Rookie Zach Edey is also an exciting prospect, as his 7’4” frame would be crucial to helping Memphis back into the Playoffs as Jaren Jackson Jr.’s primary frontcourt partner. Morant and Desmond Bane are ready for a big season as they look to resume their solid backcourt performances.
“Once basketball season comes around, it’s going to heat up a little,” Kennard continued. “We’ll have to see what happens when that comes.”
The hype is natural for the Grizzlies, as they are already preparing for a massive campaign. Thankfully, Memphis is being doubted. They love being the underdogs, as the chips on their shoulders could lead to great results for the team.
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