Grizzlies Podcast

The Memphis Grizzlies didn't make the flashiest move at the trade deadline, but they are reaping the benefits of a strong addition. Luke Kennard has given the Grizzlies another elite 3-point shooter to go with Desmond Bane, but now he'll have to adjust as teams start to run him off the 3-point line. The Grizzlies (48-28) are on pace to finish with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with six games left to play. Between last season and prior to the trade deadline, 3-point shooting has been a question for the Grizzlies. If the Grizzlies can shoot at a high level with players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. attacking the paint, it bodes well for their postseason chances. In this Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Kennard's impact, plus pick which potential first-round playoff matchup they'd like to see with the Grizzlies.

Three weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were being hit with so much bad news that it felt like a first-round playoff exit was a strong possibility. Ja Morant was suspended, Steven Adams' return from a knee injury was delayed, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and Dillon Brooks served the first of two one-game suspensions. Fast forward to now, the Grizzlies are two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed and have won 10 straight home games. The recent stretch includes winning six of seven games overall, and the return of Morant. The Grizzlies (45-27) have also gotten one of the best stretches of play from Jaren Jackson Jr. in his five-year career. On this episode of the Commercial Appeal's Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss how Morant looked in his return, Jackson's breakout and the Western Conference playoff picture.

The Memphis Grizzlies are close to getting Ja Morant back in the team facility, but there remains a lot of factors at play. Since Morant's first day back in the facility after his eight-game suspension is March 20, when the Grizzlies play against the Dallas Mavericks, he'll need time to ramp-up before joining the Grizzlies' playoff push for the No. 2 seed. There's also the personal perspective. Morant spent time in a counseling program in Florida, and said yesterday he feels better mentally. In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss Morant's first public comments, where he goes from here and how this impacts the Grizzlies during the playoff push.

The past seven days have been filled with disappointments for the Memphis Grizzlies. Their star player, Ja Morant, is away from the team, Dillon Brooks had a one-game suspension, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and the Grizzlies have lost three games in a row. Memphis is now third in the Western Conference behind the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed, and there is no definitive timetable on when Ja Morant will return. The Grizzlies are also awaiting a firm return to play update on Steven Adams. In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the latest around Morant, how the Grizzlies are handling the situation, and the race for the No. 2 seed.

The Memphis Grizzlies are still the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, but February struggles resulted in the team falling further behind the top-seeded Denver Nuggets and closer to the Sacramento Kings. An upcoming stretch of games against Western Conference foes that includes five of six games being nationally televised will be one of the most critical periods of the season. The stretch starts with the Nuggets, then the Grizzlies will head to Los Angeles for games against the Clippers and Lakers. In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what this stretch of games means for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and more.

Welcome back to the All-Star break edition of the Memphis Grizzlies podcast. For this week, reporter Evan Barnes is joined by columnist Mark Giannotto as our beat writer Damichael Cole is away with his family. Evan and Mark briefly recap the NBA All-Star game and what it meant for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in terms of their career growth and the Grizzlies' trajectory. Next, they dive into the remaining 25 games to discuss key storylines, including a brutal 11-game stretch as the season restarts and a changing Western Conference after the trade deadline. The guys also dive into Steven Adams' impact as he'll hopefully return soon from his sprained knee that's kept him out since Jan. 24. Also, is it more important for the Grizzlies to keep the No. 2 seed or get back to playing at a high level? Everything now is about getting right and ready for the playoffs and the Grizzlies have a clear target on their backs. Can they get right after struggling before the break? We'll find out starting Thursday at the Philadelphia 76ers (6:30 p.m., TNT)

The Memphis Grizzlies went 0-5 on a recent and lost Steven Adams to a right PCL sprain for the next three-to-five weeks. Still, not all hope is lost in Memphis. The Grizzlies have the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and help is on the way. Danny Green is expected to make his Grizzlies debut against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Desmond Bane, who has missed the last two games, is also expected to return sometime this week, according to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. In this episode of the Grizzlies' Commercial Appeal Podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the pending impact of Green's return, plus what we learned about the Grizzlies on their recent road trip. 

Turn your speakers to 11 and get ready for another week of the Memphis Grizzlies' podcast! Beat writer Damichael Cole and host Evan Barnes are back as the Grizzlies tied a franchise record with their 11th consecutive win. With a five-game West Coast road trip starting Friday, the guys break down what lies ahead and what they're looking forward to most starting with the Los Angeles Lakers Friday (9 p.m., ESPN). Can the Grizzlies prove themselves as contenders against potential playoff or play-in teams? How much should fans circle the rematch with Golden State Warriors on Wednesday? The podcast ends with some chatter on Danny Green getting closer to his season debut after knee surgery. Should the Grizzlies explore trading Green or see what he can do given his shooting and experience? How can the Grizzlies use Green in the rotation and whose minutes could he inherit? There's a lot of options at stake and it's now a luxury for the Grizzlies to figure out with one of the NBA's deepest teams.

The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the NBA's best records, but they are 11-10 against the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies (23-13) want to reach their championship goals, they'll have to go through a tough slate of Western Conference opponents. Memphis is playing strong defensive basketball in its last three games after struggling and losing four of five games, including a Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks are leading the defensive charge, but the Grizzlies have also been tactical in their approaches against the opponent's top offensive options. In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what went wrong during the losing streak, how Brooks' role impacts the future and the Grizzlies' standing in the Western Conference

The Memphis Grizzlies are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but they still have 59 more regular season games to play. One of the toughest stretches is here. The Grizzlies lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, and now they'll face off against the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors to complete a four-game road trip. In that game against the Thunder, Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks both received technical fouls. Morant was ejected for the second time this season. On this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the technical fouls, the upcoming road stretch and a Christmas Day showdown against the Warriors.

The hits keep coming. Hours after the Memphis Grizzlies celebrated the return of Ziaire Williams, it was announced that Desmond Bane would be sidelined for an additional three-to-four weeks due to his sprained right big toe injury. Bane's delay comes during what is likely to be the toughest stretch for the Grizzlies so far this season. Memphis starts with the Detroit Pistons, but some of the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conference will follow. Williams, John Konchar, Dillon Brooks and even Ja Morant are some of the players who will have to elevate their games during this stretch. On this episode of the Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the keys for the Grizzlies during this stretch, Bane's latest update and one of the biggest keys to the Grizzlies' current four-game winning streak.

If the Memphis Grizzlies want to reach their title aspirations, they'll need Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. all playing at their best. Morant and Bane look like one of the NBA's best backcourts this season, but it's Jackson's dominance that could unlock the full potential in Memphis. The Grizzlies are at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. This will be De'Anthony Melton's first game in Memphis since he was traded during the NBA Draft for Danny Green and a first-round pick that turned into David Roddy. On this episode the Grizzlies Commercial Appeal podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss Jackson's play, De'Anthony Melton's impact and more.

As the Memphis Grizzlies injury report piles up, All-Star point guard Ja Morant is one of the most notable names on it. He is joined notably by Desmond Bane, who is having a breakout third season in Memphis. The Grizzlies are currently missing the duo's production and will need other players to step up. Along with Tyus Jones and John Konchar moving into the starting lineup, Memphis will rely on rookies Kennedy Chandler, Jake LaRavia and David Roddy. With a red-hot Sacramento Kings team coming to Memphis on Tuesday, followed by a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Memphis will need its best from the new-look starting lineup. In this episode of the Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what Memphis needs to do without its starting backcourt, Morant's injury history and things the Grizzlies should be thankful for so far this season.

Tick ... tock. The Memphis Grizzlies could be good news soon with the potential return of Jaren Jackson Jr. He has missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from a procedure in his right foot during the offseason. When Jackson returns, Santi Aldama is expected to be moved to the bench. That means the Grizzlies could have 11 players available who could play rotation minutes, but Taylor Jenkins likes to play 10. Between Aldama and rookies David Roddy and Jake LaRavia, someone could be the odd man out. Memphis plays against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night on Bally Sports and NBA TV. In this episode of the Grizzlies Commercial Appeal podcast, reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Jackson's potential return, Ja Morant playing against Zion Williamson and the outlook of the Grizzlies' bench going forward.

Ja Morant entered this season as one of the NBA's top clutch players. Through eight games, another Memphis Grizzlies player is joining him. Desmond Bane currently leads the NBA in fourth quarter scoring. He scored 20 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter to help Memphis hold off the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies went 2-2 during their four-game road trip, and now they'll play three games at home against Eastern Conference opponents. In this Grizzlies podcast, sports reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Bane's emergence, recap the road trip and look ahead to the homestand.

The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a 3-1 start and one of the NBA's best records. Dillon Brooks made his return and scored four points against the Brooklyn Nets, but his defense against Kevin Durant helped lead the Grizzlies to a win. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane set a Grizzlies record by combining for 76 points, but now the question is who will consistently join them? Santi Aldama and Steven Adams have been encouraging , but the bench is missing a couple of key pieces. In this Grizzlies podcast, sports reporter Evan Barnes and beat writer Damichael Cole discuss the Morant, Brooks' defense and where the Grizzlies can improve on their upcoming four-game road trip.

Wednesday's game wasn't pretty, but the Memphis Grizzlies picked up their first win of the 2022-23 season against the New York Knicks. Ja Morant shined and scored 34 points while adding nine assists, and Santi Aldama stepped up in place of Jaren Jackson Jr. with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies will now head on the road for a back to back before returning home on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. In this Grizzlies podcast, Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Morant and Aldama, the home atmosphere and where the Grizzlies need to improve after one game.

Expectations are high in Memphis coming off a franchise-record tying 56 wins last season. Most of the core is back, and the Memphis Grizzlies added five rookies who could impact the rotation. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s offseason right foot procedure delays his start, but it also impacts the frontcourt rotation and the amount of minutes available for the rookies. The Grizzlies played five preseason games and saved their best performance for the finale. Ja Morant looks poised for another strong season, Desmond Bane has added more to his offensive game and Santi Aldama has filled in comfortably for Jackson. In this Grizzlies podcast, Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole and sports reporter Evan Barnes discuss Grizzlies expectations, the Western Conference, Ja Morant's All-Star status and more.

The early reviews are coming in on the 2022-23 Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies won their first two preseason games with different players stepping up each time. In the first game against the Milwaukee Bucks, rookies Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, Kennedy Chandler and Kenneth Lofton Jr. each shined. Santi Aldama and Ja Morant combined for 43 points in a win against the Orlando Magic on Monday. Off the court news is filing in, too. Steven Adams signed a two-year contract extension, and the clock is ticking on a possible deal with Brandon Clarke before the deadline. Sports reporter Evan Barnes and Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole discuss all of the latest news on the Grizzlies podcast and look ahead to the upcoming preseason stretch.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in the full swing of the 2022-23 NBA season. The team had its first three practices before heading to Milwaukee for the preseason opener on Saturday. The Grizzlies will play games on Saturday and Monday that will give further clue into how the team handles the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. In this episode of the Grizzlies podcast, beat writer Damichael Cole and sports reporter Evan Barnes discuss early practice takeaways, FedExForum renovations and Steven Adams shooting 3-pointers.

The Memphis Grizzlies will begin their 2022-23 season on Monday, starting with media day. The team will then start preseason practices before a five-game preseason slate. From Jaren Jackson Jr.'s injury, Ja Morant's offseason, contract status and expectations, there's a lot to discuss. Also, don't forget Morant's quest for a Nike signature shoe. Memphis Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole and Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes discuss all of those topics on this edition of the Grizzlies podcast.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had a quiet summer so far, but things are heating up with the recent addition of four draft picks. Not only did the Grizzlies add four players through the draft, but they also brought in Danny Green and traded away De'Anthony Melton.  With a crowded roster, tough decisions will need to be made soon based on how the Grizzlies approach free agency.  In this Grizzlies podcast, Columnist Mark Giannotto and beat writer Damichael Cole recap the NBA Draft, look ahead to free agency and examine the outlook of the Grizzlies' roster.

The Memphis Grizzlies ended the season losing in six games to the Golden State Warriors during the Western Conference semifinals. Being that the Grizzlies didn't have their regular season starting lineup for any of those games, there is cautious optimism heading into the offseason. From Ja Morant's extension, Ziaire Williams' progression and free agency decisions, this is one of the biggest offseasons in franchise history. Memphis was one of the deepest teams in the NBA last season. The Grizzlies benefitted from that depth when several players went down, but the bill always come due in the summer.  In this podcast, Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannotto recap the 2021-22 season while looking at offseason decisions on Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones and more.

The Memphis Grizzlies tied the series against Golden State 1-1 with their win on Tuesday, but they're still in a trailing position. The Warriors took one game and now have homecourt advantage. As tight as the basketball games have been, much talk has been centered around big flagrant fouls from each game, The latest caused Warriors guard Gary Payton II to fracture his elbow. In this episode, Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannotto discuss how the implications from the hard fouls and the biggest keys for the remainder of this series.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost Game 1 in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even though Grizzlies players aren't calling Tuesday a must-win game, chances of winning the series will plummet with another loss.  Ja Morant scored 32 points in Game 1, but he saw coverages that limited to mostly two-point attempts and free throws. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams each struggled as Karl Anthony-Towns scored 29 points and added 13 rebounds. In this Grizzlies podcast, beat writer Damichael Cole and sports columnist Mark Giannotto discuss what the Grizzlies need to do in Game 2 and how the Timberwolves attacked in Game 1.

The Memphis Grizzlies will begin their playoff run on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Memphis is the No. 2 seed and favorite, but the Timberwolves had one of the best second half runs in the Western Conference. The foes split their four regular season meetings. This is also a meeting of two of the NBA's best young cores. In this Grizzlies podcast, beat writer Damichael Cole and Columnist Mark Giannotto discuss the biggest keys to the series, Ja Morant's effectiveness and how Memphis matches up with Minnesota's star trio.

The Memphis Grizzlies have three games remaining this season and a chance to set a new franchise record in wins. They'll need to win two of their final three games to reshape history.  Ja Morant is expected to be reevaluated Thursday after being out the last two weeks, and the Western Conference picture is getting clear.  On this Grizzlies podcast, beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannatto discuss Morant's status ahead of the playoffs, potential first-round opponents and how potentially losing the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round pick impacts the future of the Grizzlies.

The Memphis Grizzlies are Southwest Division champions for the first time in franchise history and have a lot to look forward to in the playoffs.  Before the playoffs, the Grizzlies (54-23) have five games remaining where they can strategically rest and keep guys in a rhythm.  In this Grizzlies podcast, columnist Mark Giannotto and beat writer Damichael Cole discuss how the Grizzlies match up with the No.1 seeded Phoenix Suns, potential playoff opponents and how players have stepped up during the six-game winning streak.

There have been a lot of moving parts with the Memphis Grizzlies lately. Dillon Brooks is back, the race for the Western Conference's No. 2 seed is heating up and a first-round lottery pick via the Los Angeles Lakers is within reach. In this Grizzlies podcast, beat writer Damichael Cole and Memphis Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes discuss how the Grizzlies schedule matches up with the Golden State Warriors, Brooks and the lottery pick. Plus, the two writers will dive into the Grizzlies being given an all-access look by ESPN that hasn't been done in four years. 

The Memphis Grizzlies haven't rounded into their pre-All-Star break form yet based on results, but they appear to be getting closer. The Grizzlies are 4-3 since the All-Star break, but have five consecutive games against teams not projected to make the playoffs coming up. During that time, the Grizzlies are hoping to get back forward Dillon Brooks, too.  On this episode of the Grizzlies basketball podcast, the `beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannotto discuss the Grizzlies upcoming schedule, potential playoffs opponents and the eventual return of Brooks. 

The NBA All-Star break is over. The Memphis Grizzlies (41-19) have 22 regular season games remaining before a much anticipated potential playoff appearance. The roster is healthy and should be getting Dillon Brooks back soon. Their first game back is Thursday night in Minnesota against the Timberwolves (7 p.m. Bally Sports Southeast). Beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannotto discussed the All-Star festivities and the five biggest keys for the Grizzlies throughout the remainder of the season. 

The Memphis Grizzlies started the season 9-10 but have been one of the NBA's best teams since the slow start.  A lot of history and notoriety has taken place. Ja Morant is an All-Star starter, Taylor Jenkins won Western Conference Coach of the Month in December and Desmond Bane will play in the Rising Stars competition and participate in the 3-point shootout.  New Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole and columnist Mark Giannotto discussed those topics in the return of the Grizzlies podcast. They also talked about the outlook for the remainder of the season.  Note: Some audio issues can be found in this podcast.

Mark Giannotto and David Cobb take stock of the Grizzlies 26 games into the season.

Commercial Appeal columnist Mark Giannotto and Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb preview the season opener and discuss how things will look in 2019-20.

Memphis Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb and sports columnist Mark Giannotto discuss all the happenings from the team's annual preseason media day.

David Cobb, Mark Giannotto and Jason Munz discuss what Taylor Jenkins' introductory press conference revealed about the Grizzlies' new front office.

On this week's episode, beat writer David Cobb and columnist Mark Giannotto examine how the Grizzlies should proceed with the No. 2 overall pick.

The Grizzlies, still reveling in their NBA lottery luck, are in the enviable position of deciding who to take with the second overall pick in June's draft.

On this episode, beat writer David Cobb and columnist Mark Giannotto debate how the Grizzlies and their new-look front office should handle what could be a pivotal offseason.

On this week's episode of the Grizzlies Podcast, beat writer David Cobb, columnist Mark Giannotto and reporter/producer Jason Munz break down the new-look Grizzlies, discuss whether they'll be able to convey the draft pick they owe the Boston Celtics this season or next, and if front office changes need to be made sooner rather than later.

Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb and reporter/producer Jason Munz examine the unique situation Memphis finds itself in with both Marc Gasol and Mike Conley being publicly placed on the trading block.

Beat writer David Cobb, columnist Mark Giannotto and reporter/producer Jason Munz discuss everything that has transpired over the past couple of weeks with the Memphis Grizzlies.