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NBA playoffs show how Memphis can build grizzlies elite candidates

NBA playoffs show how Memphis can build grizzlies elite candidates

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Memphis Grizzlies General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman tried to warn everyone.

In two consecutive seasons, the grizzlies were number 2 in the Western Conference, but were removed in the second round of the playoffs in 2022 and in the first round 2023. After this series loss against Los Angeles Lakers, Kleiman recalled that success is not linear.

There will be ups and downs, but the goal is to build a squad that can compete with an NBA championship. The keywords are can compete. At the end of the day, you want to have the opportunity to have the chance to raise the Larry O'Brien trophy.

After the grizzlies were swept out by Oklahoma City Thunder this season this season this season, they no longer feel like one of these teams. However, the 2025 playoffs have also shown what Memphis needs to crack into the upper level.

So far we have learned the following from the NBA playoffs from 2025.

Depth is only so important

It is great to have a depth in the course of a regular season with 82 games, but the playoffs show that quality is more important than quantity. The teams routinely shorten the rotations in the off -season, and this year is no different.

Of the 15 best teams in the bank this season, only one remains in the playoffs (Indiana Pacers).

The grizzlies were proud of depth and took second place in the league with 43.9 bench points per game. But this depth only means so much if these backups play more against starter of other teams with shortened rotations.

Memphis should set priorities to take the squad as strong as possible for a potential playoff image.

Championships require happiness

It's more than just about being really good. Most of these really good players have available at the right time is required.

The Cleveland Cavaliers with top seeds dominated the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated by the Pacers in the second round. Injuries to three key starters and one of their best players outside the bank played a severe role in the loss of the 4: 1 series.

Golden State won a playoff game against Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, and it was the only game in which Star Guard Stephen Curry was available. When Curry didn't play, Minnesota went 4-0.

Grizzlies star yes Morant was injured in game 3 against the thunder and missed game 4. Memphis lost both games, but Morant believed that the results would have been different if he had been healthy.

Maybe he is right and the grizzlies have to come to the right side of things. Avoiding injuries in March and April are crucial for championship disputes.

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The depth of the West is confirmed

People knew that the Western Conference was strong, but they only confirmed the recent results. The seeds No. 3 and No. 2, which lost in the first round, and some of the weaknesses of the Top Samen Thunder were uncovered.

Memphis must be aggressive and brave to build up his squad. Many of the top teams of the West are built in the long run, so it is not easy to return to the upper level.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies Beat Writer for the commercial attraction. Contact Damichael at Damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @damichaelc.

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