The Memphis Grizzlies picked Ja Morant just after the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson.
Ja Morant was the second selection in the NBA Draft, just after Zion Williamson. Memphis could be doomed to settling for the second-best in the division for the next decade as a result.
Memphis Grizzlies
Pelicans 2018-19 Record Versus Grizzlies: 2-2
2019-20 Dates
Home: January 31st, March 24th
Away: January 20th, March 21st
After a stretch of seven seasons of playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies have missed the last 2 seasons. Finishing third in the division in 2018-19 behind Houston and San Antonio isn’t terrible but not anywhere close to being competitive in a challenging western conference.
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Like the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA Draft Lottery gave the Memphis Grizzlies a stroke of luck with the #2 overall pick falling into their lap. Moving Marc Gasol at the deadline and ultimately moving off of franchise icon Mike Conley has led to the rebuild of the Grizzlies when the #2 pick became Ja Morant. With long term rebuilding expectations, not much should be expected of Memphis besides watching how Ja Morant’s game translates in the NBA overall.
With the first two picks of the 2019 NBA Draft going to the same division, we will be treated to an excellent bout between Zion Williamson and Ja Morant for many years to come. Lately, the Memphis Grizzlies have had the upper hand against the New Orleans Pelicans as Memphis holds a 10-6 record over the last four seasons.
However, the rebuild of the two teams is seemingly going in opposite directions. The Pelicans’ offseason acquisitions giving them a feel of a retooling more than a complete rebuild around Zion, so the tides of battles between the two teams should turn. While Memphis might not be overly competitive for the next few seasons, the battle between Zion and Ja will be worth the price of admission for the foreseeable future.
2019-20 Season Prediction Vs the Memphis Grizzlies: 4-0 New Orleans Pelicans