Few NBA teams have a murkier short-term outlook than the Memphis Grizzlies.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is gone. In his place, above all else, are draft picks. The Grizzlies loaded up for the future. It was likely a wise decision — but what does the rest of this season hold?

Here are five areas to keep an eye on.

There’s a world where Zach Edey is the Grizzlies’ franchise player.

That’s how productive he has been as a sophomore. Edey is averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, those numbers have come across just 11 appearances.

Durability has long been a concern for players of his size. Carrying that frame places particular strain on his lower body, especially his ankles. The question is not just when he returns — it’s whether he can remain available.

Memphis cannot rush him back. Once Edey is cleared, the focus shifts to sustainability. If he can stay on the floor consistently, he could solidify himself as a cornerstone. If not, the Grizzlies may face long-term structural concerns at the center position.

Don’t look now, but Cedric Coward is making a case for an All-Rookie spot.

There’s even a world where he becomes the face of the franchise.

He’s averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game — strong numbers by rookie standards — while carrying a 20.9% usage percentage. That’s a meaningful offensive role for a first-year player.

The question now is whether Memphis leans into it.

Why not increase his offensive responsibility as the season progresses? Coward has earned a prominent place in the pecking order. After the break, it would make sense to see the Grizzlies expand his role and see how much he can handle.

That may require another adjustment elsewhere.

Conventional wisdom suggested Memphis explored moving Ja Morant at the deadline. The safe assumption is that the Grizzlies didn’t find a deal that met their threshold.

So now what?

Will it be business as usual? Will Morant continue to pilot the offense? Or will Memphis gradually shift responsibility toward the younger core?

Both paths are defensible. The Grizzlies could showcase Morant for the trade market this summer. Alternatively, they may prioritize development for players they view as long-term pieces.

At minimum, how they handle Morant over the final stretch will be telling.

This is the broader question.

It’s difficult to pinpoint a single area where Memphis excels. It’s equally difficult to identify a glaring weakness. The Grizzlies are hovering around league average across the board.

And that may be the real issue.

Who are they? How do they win? Where do they create separation from opponents? These are the questions Memphis must answer after the All-Star break.

Without a defined identity, progress becomes harder to measure.

Unless…

Does this team have anything tangible to play for this season?

On a micro level, yes — development matters. On a macro level, the picture is clearer. This is a transitional year.

Maximizing draft odds may be the most practical objective.

The roster is relatively flexible. The Grizzlies would love to land Darryn Peterson. A.J. Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer would also significantly alter the franchise’s trajectory.

If Memphis secures a high lottery pick, the entire outlook shifts.

And with it, the direction of the next era.