The Grizzlies are epitomizing the culture it's built
In a game against a team that's set a standard with organization culture, in an environment with reminders of said culture, and with a depleted roster -- the Memphis Grizzlies reinforced their culture
The Memphis Grizzlies just had the shiniest example of the culture and developmental environment they’ve built over the past 5 years. Over this tenure, we’ve seen leaps both marginal and meteoric, unearthed gems, and players stepping up in short-handed situations.
Last night’s win over the Miami Heat served as the biggest reminder of what Taylor Jenkins, Zach Kleiman, and the Memphis Grizzlies have really been building over the past 5 years.
And how poetic with who was on the other side.
The Miami Heat — a franchise that’s become the modern prototype for culture and player development. Though amplified through the free agent acquisition of Jimmy Butler in 2019, its culture and development have built up the Heat as a perennial Eastern Conference contender. Improbable late-lottery picks at the time, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have grown into cornerstone players. They’ve identified and developed undrafted players into valuable contributors — currently Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith, and formerly Max Strus and Gabe Vincent. (Not included: Jaime Jaquez, the 18th pick who has been the best non-Wemby/Chet rookie this season)
Its culture has become the identity of this franchise.
Heat Culture. The Heat even wore jerseys with this trademark phrase on them, while playing on a court that has the ethos of “Heat Culture” on it, as the following phrase is underneath the basket:
Hardest Working. Best Conditioned. Most Professional. Unselfish. Toughest. Meanest. Nastiest Team In The NBA.
And last night, in an environment full of reminders of the Heat’s culture — one seen as a pinnacle — it was the Memphis Grizzlies that emphatically reinforced their culture.
The Grizzlies continue their shorthanded stretch, and the inactive list was even longer last night.
Ja Morant
Desmond Bane
Marcus Smart
Steven Adams
Brandon Clarke
Luke Kennard
Santi Aldama
Derrick Rose
Jake LaRavia
They had more inactive players than available ones.
It didn’t matter for the Grizzlies, because of the culture built through the organization.
I don’t want to use “next man up” here, but how about rising to the occasion? Because that’s what exactly happened yesterday. The Grizzlies scored a tough road win over a likely contender, and they didn’t even get their best Jaren Jackson Jr. — who only made 5 of his 21 shot attempts and had 5 turnovers. However, the Grizzlies received contributions across the board from players that have risen to the occasion.
Vince Williams Jr. continues to level up his game, as he scored an efficient 25 points on 8-10 shooting (5-6 from 3) with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His confidence from 3-point range has been an encouraging sign for the Grizzlies’ offense depleted of shooting, but it’s also spilling over into his live-dribble creation. He’s driving to the basket with assertiveness and craft. He’s handling larger offensive responsibilities without a defensive slippage.
19-year-old GG Jackson put together his best road performance of his career. He scored 17 points on 5-9 shooting, while hitting 4 of his 6 three-pointers. He also finished with a team-high +20 plus/minus. His contributions have been within the flow of the offense, and he’s getting more comfortable on the floor each passing game.
Those two players, in particular, have been big wins for the Grizzlies’ scouting and development departments the past 2 months. Even if they may not emerge as the wing of the future — like OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, who they’ve coveted in the past year — they’re solidifying themselves as wings worth investing in next to this core going forward. That’s huge for a team that’s been searching for wing depth.
Without its 4 primary playmakers (Morant, Bane, Smart, Kennard), the Grizzlies needed someone to organize the offense. Look no further than 2-way players Jacob Gilyard and Scotty Pippen Jr.
Pippen caught more eyes with his play — finishing with 15 points (5-7 shooting), 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in his 1st rotational minutes. His pace and cadence were superb, knowing when to accelerate downhill to apply rim pressure and when to slam the brakes to keep the offense flowing. He should garner more minutes going forward these next few weeks.
Gilyard slid under the radar, but he dished out 7 assists and stays moving. He relocates to make himself available for either a catch-and-shoot 3 or the next swing. He plays with pace and knows how to make the right read — whether it’s hitting a cutter or a shooter.
It’d be remiss to miss out on the contributions of John Konchar and Xavier Tillman too, early embodiments of the Grizzlies’ culture and development system. Konchar, the beginning of the Grizzlies’ two-way pipeline, did his jitty things — crashing the glass, creating defensive events, and running the floor for easy transition offense. Tillman — someone who's personified the “stay ready” mindset — provided some defensive juice with his individual defense, even guarding Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro for spurts. His quick hands led to deflections and blocks, as he finished with 3 blocks and a steal.
I can’t forget David Roddy either, someone who’s been thrusted into various roles and positions. After a slow 1st half, he had his hand in last night’s win with his hustle (3 stocks) and playmaking (4 assists).
All in all, in a game against a team that’s set a standard with its culture and development, the Memphis Grizzlies showed that those components of their organization are right up there, too.
And it’s been manifesting for a few weeks now. Since Morant’s season-ending injury (January 7th), the Grizzlies are 5-4 with the 7th-best defense right now — and they only had Smart for 1.5 games and Bane for 2.5 games, as well. Regardless of who’s in and out of the lineup, the Grizzlies are setting their standard of competing and togetherness every night.
And that’s crucial for what lies ahead.
While this year may ultimately be a gap year for the Grizzlies, they’re laying a foundation down for next season and beyond. They’re identifying players that can fit next to this core and within the organizational vision going forward, instilling confidence in them for their impact to sustain even in a reduced role. More importantly, they’re reinforcing their system — ethos, habits, style, and all. Despite the whirlwind of circumstances, no one seems tuned out. Their culture and system are shining through this vicious season of injuries.
It’s a testament to the players for staying ready, the coaching staff for keeping everyone prepared, and the organization for setting the standard of what Memphis Grizzlies basketball is all about.
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