ESPN points to one striking number that illustrates just how dramatically the Memphis Grizzlies have changed entering the 2026-27 season.
The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2026-27 season with a brand-new team and future draft capital, but ESPN believes that 31 will be a stat that will swing in their favor this season.
In both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Memphis was a championship contender that struggled to stay healthy and reach the NBA Finals. Since then, all 31 players who suited up for the franchise during that time period are no longer there.
ESPN's Zach Kram provided one key stat for every NBA team that could help swing their 2026-27 season. Kram believes that 31 signals a new beginning for the team, with the possibility of future success.
Memphis Begins a Complete Roster Reset
Guards Desmond Bane and Ja Morant, and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. led the franchise to a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. However, all three players were traded from the team within the last 15 months.
Morant was the last player to be traded and was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers. On Sept. 18, a video surfaced of the guard's reaction to being traded. "Damn, they sent me to Portland," according to Legion Hoops, via @MaskedMem12.
This season, the team's projected starting lineup could include guard Ty Jerome, guard Jaylen Wells, forward Cedric Coward, forward Cameron Boozer, and center Zach Edey. One area of concern is Edey's health.
Last season, Edey only played 77 games out of 164. With the franchise moving on from Morant and Jackson Jr., Edey will need to remain healthy to help his team develop and win.
Boozer is the face of the franchise and showcased his potential throughout both Summer Leagues. However, he will need a frontcourt partner to help keep the paint open and avoid double teams.
Tuomas Iisalo Takes Charge of the Rebuild
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo will enter his second full season as the Grizzlies' head coach, with questions surrounding his long-term job security.
Iisalo will enter the rebuild at the helm and will have the opportunity to implement new systems with a fresh roster. Before the Morant trade, there were questions centering around how the team would gel with a player trying to win with a franchise that was going through a rebuild.
With younger talent and no clear franchise player with playoff expectations, Iisalo will be able to coach without internal pressure from players and external pressure from fans. This rebuild signals a fresh start for Memphis.
Grizzlies Open Against Jackson and Jazz
The Grizzlies will open the regular season against the Utah Jazz, where Jackson Jr. will return for the first time since being traded.
