Memphis Grizzlies have opened the 2026-27 season at 7-4, posting the league’s tenth-best net rating while many expected the franchise to be in a rebuilding phase.
Early success driven by depth and tempo
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo has emphasized load management, keeping the roster fresh. Thirteen players have logged at least 70 minutes each, a figure matched only by Indiana, Golden State, Oklahoma City and Utah, all of whom have also coped with injuries.
The Grizzlies’ offense relies on continuous ball-screen action and a fluid pick-and-roll system that Iisalo describes as “flow.” The approach encourages quick decision-making and constant movement, allowing shooters and cutters to find open looks.
Key contributors include guard Ty Jerome, forward Cam Spencer, and big men Zach Edey, Cam Boozer and Isaiah Stewart. Their combination of shooting, screening and athleticism fuels both the offensive and defensive schemes.
Defensively, Memphis ranks fifth in the league, anchored by Stewart’s rim protection and Edey’s emerging presence. When Edey is on the floor, the team’s defensive rating sits in the 99th percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass, a notable achievement in a league featuring players like Victor Wembanyama.
Younger wings such as Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward complement each other, with Wells excelling in on-ball defense and Coward providing off-ball impact. The length of Grant and rookie GG Jackson adds further versatility.
Potential obstacles ahead
Despite the promising start, the Grizzlies face several vulnerabilities. Their three-point shooting efficiency places them second in the league, yet opponent three-point defense ranks eighth, a statistic heavily influenced by external factors.
Strength of schedule data from Dunks & Threes indicates Memphis has encountered the second-easiest slate of opponents so far, with a marquee win against a still-developing Warriors team.
In a recent loss to Indiana, the Grizzlies’ ball-handling exposed a weakness. Outside of Jerome, Spencer and the injured Scottie Pippen Jr., the roster lacks a true pressure-creating guard, resulting in 20 turnovers and the season’s lowest offensive rating.
From a broader perspective, the Grizzlies’ early performance mirrors other young teams that have surged before regressing as opponents adjust.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks will test whether Memphis can maintain its pace against tougher competition and whether its defensive core can stay healthy enough to keep the rating among the league’s elite.
The Grizzlies’ schedule is about to get tougher, with more challenging opponents on the horizon.