The Memphis Grizzlies have suffered a lot of injuries this year. They're making the most of it.
Every single NBA season is partly defined by injuries. Nobody likes it. Nobody can deny it, either. Every year, we see injuries impact how the season plays out. They've been especially impactful for the Memphis Grizzlies this year.
That said, it's less of an issue for Memphis than it could be for other teams. The Grizzlies are in a transitional phase. They're more focused on player development than on winning games, so injuries can create opportunities for other players.
That's exactly what's been happening in 2025-26.
Raise a hand if you thought Javon Small would be a significant part of an NBA rotation this year.
Now ask yourself why you're a compulsive liar.
Next year, that might be different. Small is aptly named (if you'll pardon the pun) at 6'1", but a 43.4% three-point shooter should find an NBA role. He may even continue to ply his trade with the Grizzlies.
How about Walter Clayton Jr.? As a first-round pick, perhaps he had higher expectations than Small. Still, nobody expected him to be as productive as he's been in Memphis as a rookie. Clayton Jr. is averaging 15.3 points and 11.3 assists per 100 possessions. When he's on the floor, he looks like a certified NBA point guard.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is shooting 39.1% from three-point range. That bodes well for his NBA future. These are all players who may not have found reps this year if Scotty Pippen Jr., Santi Aldama, and others hadn't gotten hurt. Wait a minute...
Are injuries a good thing?
Of course not.
Here's the reality: They are going to happen. They are unavoidable. The most an athlete — or organization — can realistically hope for is that injuries will occur at the most convenient time possible.
That's what's happening with Memphis. It's a developmental year. They don't need Aldama on the floor — they know what he can do. They need him resting for the 2026-27 season.
After all, the Grizzlies will likely try to compete next year. This small market franchise has never stayed down for long. There's real hope that their typical rotation players will be available next year.
Only now, they'll have a wider range of options for filling that rotation out. The Grizzlies could opt to preserve roles for Small, Clayton Jr., and Prosper. Getting a look at young, potentially underrated players is a boon for a team in their position.
Even if it took injuries for it to happen.