MEMPHIS — Following the departure of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have begun installing a slightly different offensive philosophy built around new point-guard options and dramatically fewer possessions that appear to violate local traffic laws.
Coaches reportedly informed the roster that Ty Jerome may handle significant playmaking responsibilities, forcing the team to recalibrate from Morant’s preferred speed of “already at the rim.”
Practice sessions now include new concepts such as walking the ball up, looking around and confirming all five players have arrived.
“It’s an adjustment,” one teammate said. “Sometimes I get to the corner and realize the possession hasn’t started yet.”
Memphis believes the slower structure could bring additional control and efficiency.
The team has already removed several transition diagrams that consisted entirely of Ja Morant jumping over somebody.
Players are optimistic about the new approach, though several have requested additional conditioning work to prepare for the emotional difficulty of waiting for a screen.
The Grizzlies insist they are not rebuilding their identity.
They are simply changing the speed setting from 100 to approximately 65.
