(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
After a dispiriting first-round exit, the Memphis Grizzlies will be playing the 2023-24 NBA season with a chip on their shoulder.
Despite taking a step back last season, the Grizzlies still boast a young and talented roster capable of competing with any team.
However, Memphis will be shorthanded to start the regular season as they’ll miss Ja Morant for the first 25 games as he serves a suspension for multiple incidents regarding a firearm.
The team will also be without Brandon Clarke who is still recovering from a torn Achilles, while they also lost Steven Adams for the season after he suffered a setback with his knee.
Things already feel stacked up against the Grizzlies as far as trying to contend for a title this year and that’s why Kendrick Perkins isn’t giving them much of a chance to do anything this year via ESPN.
.@KendrickPerkins says best-case scenario for the Grizzlies right now is the play-in tournament. pic.twitter.com/bPo1OiDTmg
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2023
The Play-In Tournament seems like a low bar for a team like Memphis, but the Western Conference is about as strong as it ever has been.
Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns are generally viewed as the top of the conference, while the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings will be looking to crack the inner circle of contenders.
After those six teams, the other playoff hopefuls will be relegated to earning their spot in the Play-In, which is very well where the Grizzlies could end up.
Some fans might disagree with Perkins, but looking at the landscape helps put things in perspective.
The post Kendrick Perkins Has Bad Projection For 1 West Contender appeared first on The Cold Wire.