Grizzlies projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Mar 3, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Memphis Grizzlies starting power forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.

It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that Jaren Jackson Jr. may be the most important piece to this Grizzlies team. Last season he had a career year where he averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals, a league-best 3.0 blocks on 51/36/79 splits. He was selected to his first All-Star team and was named the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.

Jackson is the most important piece to this team because he is the best rim protector in basketball. He has led the league in blocks the last two seasons. When he doesn’t play the Grizzlies have been 13-10 over the last two seasons.

Jackson provides great two-way ability and sets the defensive tone for this team. Whenever an opposing player is in the paint they have to worry about Jackson coming out of nowhere and blocking the shot.

There are a few flaws Jackson has experienced over his career, the first is fouling. Since he tries to block every shot, he commits around four fouls per game for his career. The second flaw is that he has an injury history. Even with all that Jackson is crucial to the Grizzlies becoming a future championship team.

Grizzlies primary backup power forward: Santi Aldama

The Grizzlies backup power forward for the last four seasons has primarily been Brandon Clarke but after suffering an achilles tear back in March, it is possible he’ll miss the entire season. This leaves the Grizzlies with no other choice than to have Santi Aldama be the backup power forward.

Last season Aldama had a very successful sophomore year averaging 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 47/35/75 splits. In the playoffs, he played just as well, averaging 6.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 46/47/100 splits.

Standing at 6-foot-11 Aldama’s ability to shoot the three is very impressive and important. The versatility he provides allows the Grizzlies to play with many different options that include him sharing the court with Jackson, Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman.

Others who could receive minutes: Brandon Clarke, Kenneth Lofton Jr., Xavier Tillman, David Roddy

If Brandon Clarke is hurt the whole season then it is more than likely Kenneth Lofton Jr. will be the third-string power forward. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 275 pounds Lofton is simply too small to be a center and too big to be a small forward. Even with his advanced size, Lofton shot 35 percent from three last season. Chances are if everyone is healthy and if Brandon Clarke is able to play, he won’t play that much.