A few thoughts from Chris Herrington the morning after the Grizzlies’ 119-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The single most notable thing about the Grizzlies to start the season has been just how deep and flat the rotation has been, despite missing three or four rotation-quality players in most games. 

This opener at FedExForum was a show: The blend of athleticism, creativity and personality that marks NBA hoops at its most enjoyable.

Chris Herrington’s four next-day reactions to the Grizzlies’ 126-124 opening win Wednesday over the Utah Jazz. The four involve Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Jay Huff and Marcus Smart.

From Ja’s return to lineup/rotation guesses and suggestions, catch all 10 of Chris Herrington’s takeaways from preseason play.

While an NBA truism is that the biggest stars win titles, the belief here is that depth will be of increasing importance in the regular season.

Call it a double do-over. Given the opportunity to second guess their decisions on Kennard and Smart, the Grizzlies have instead chosen a second chance for both. 

Extension or not, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke both could be crucial for the Grizzlies, especially early this season. 

Monday’s media day had all the usual media day moments, but this media day was grounded in high hopes and high expectations, despite coming off a 27-win season. 

On Monday, Sept. 30, the Memphis Grizzlies start the engine on their 2024-2025 season. Here are nine storylines to watch in the coming weeks. 

A deeper look into the trade of Ziaire Williams and the signing of Luke Kennard and how they are connected.

Related story: 

Grizzlies re-sign Luke Kennard

Observations on the seven roster players who suited up for the Grizzlies this summer.

Amid a quiet start to NBA free agency, some notes and questions on where things stand with the Grizzlies. Will Luke Kennard be back? What does this roster need most?

While the draft is just wrapping up, the second half of the offseason won’t wait. What could be next for the Grizzlies?

What level of center addition are the Grizzlies, with three stars on big contracts and a tax bill looming, willing or wanting to make? Here are 20 possibilities.

The NBA Finals tip off Thursday night. How should the Grizzlies, watching from the couch, feel about that?

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard dominated for more than a decade. This could be the first time since 2005 none of them are in the second round of playoffs.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Combine changes should help Memphis evaluate draft talent

Herrington breaks down Jaren Jackson’s usage and availability, scoring and shooting, passing, rebounding and defense and looks ahead to next season.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Taylor Jenkins impressed by Scotty Pippen Jr. in two-way stint

On Monday night in Brooklyn, New York, Taylor Jenkins went where only one other Memphis Grizzlies coach has gone before: to a 200th regular-season win.

Related story:

Grizzlies’ Derrick Rose, Ziaire Williams both out for several weeks

As the Grizzlies return from the All-Star break with 26 games left and no postseason berth in sight, what else is there to be accomplished? What else is worth watching?

Jackson’s valentines were less Forget-Me-Not than Forgive-Me. But he led the Grizzlies to a surprising win over the Houston Rockets.

Part 1 of a two-part Mid-Season Grizzlies Mailbag. This is the non-trade deadline portion of the Mailbag with lots of great questions that Chris Herrington answers.