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NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s best case scenario

By John Hugar

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies

This Grizzlies are one of the trickier teams in the league to figure out. After losing Mike Conley early on last season, they tanked hard, and were rewarded for their efforts with Jaren Jackson, Jr., one of the most alluring prospects int his year’s rookie class. With the arrival of Jackson, and the return of Conley, the Grizzlies have a fair chance at returning to relevance in 2018-19.

How far they get may depend on what contributions they get from their free agent signings. The most intriguing of those is Kyle Anderson, who occasionally turned heads as a role player for the Spurs, but never had a true chance to shine. Anderson figures to slot into the starting small forward role, and if he can live up to his considerable potential, he’ll be the steal of the summer. Garrett Temple is a bit less intriguing, but he’s a reliable 3-and-D guy nonetheless, and he’ll provide essential experience and depth to a roster that relies far too much on D-League players.

With the West as good as it is, the making it back to the playoffs will be a tall order. That being said, the return of Conley stabilizes the team, and if Jackson, Jr. can avoid foul trouble, and harness his considerable gifts right away, this team has a legitimate chance at one of the last few spots in the West.