Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from preseason action

Memphis Grizzlies finished the preseason with a 3-2 record. They need to improve their defense and improve on their offense.   The Grizzlies need some improvement on some of their weaknesses. The team needs to play more defense. It's the first game of the NBA season in several months.

Desmond Bane is improving his shooting and playing with more confidence in the preseason. He is a 20-point scorer and an All-Star reserve candidate. Memphis Grizzlies play the New York Knicks in their next game. They are preparing for the new NBA season. The team is currently playing in preseason games. Memphis won't play until the regular season on October 25th.

Dillon Brooks is on a mission to improve his shot efficiency this season. He averaged 15.4 field goal attempts per 36 minutes in the preseason. His efficiency didn't improve, but he played within the offense and didn’t force too much. Some of his roughest looks came from past offensive mistakes. If he catches his groove from the outside, he will be the most optimized he”s been on offense in his career. The preseason served as a good barometer of how Dillon Brooks could look like in a scaled down role.

Memphis Grizzlies drafted 4 defensive players in the 2022 draft. Jake LaRavia, Kennedy Chandler, David Roddy and Jaren Jackson are the most promising. Memphis lost Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. They need to improve defensively to make up for that. The Grizzlies have a spot in their rotation open through Jarena Jackson's injury. They hope that the rookies can make an impression by wreaking havoc defensively. For the first time in this era, there is no guaranteed rotation spot.

The Memphis Grizzlies made their halfcourt offense and their 3-point shooting a priority this offseason. The Grizzlies connected on 27.9% of their shots in preseason.

Memphis Grizzlies finished 4th-to-last in 3-point percentage last season. Jake LaRavia and David Roddy are the main players competing for a rotation spot on opening night. They should improve their shooting percentage. They have shown they could be an elite offense with paint scoring, second-chance opportunities and transition excellence.

Santi Claus is coming to the starting lineup. Memphis Grizzlies are preparing for the opening night.

Santi Aldama played well in the first game of the Grizzlies' season. He is expected to replace Jaren Jackson Jr. as the starting 4. Aldamas averaged 12.2 points this preseason on 57.8% shooting from the field and 40% from 3. He also played a lot of defense. The Grizzlies play with full starters. Jake LaRavia, David Roddy and Ziaire Williams made their NBA debuts.

Ja Morant set the tone defensively for the Grizzlies in the preseason. Steven Adams turned the ball over more than he made assists. Brandon Clarke made 2 assists in preseason, up from 2.5 in last season. The trend will be something to monitor off the bench for Brandon Clark. The Grizzlies are going to play the New York Knicks in their first game of the season on October 25th.

Ja Morant set the tone defensively for the Grizzlies in the preseason. Brandon Clarke made 2 assists in preseason, up from 2.5 last season. Steven Adams turned the ball over more than he made assists. The Grizzlies play the New York Knicks in their first game of the season on October 25th.