The Athletic NBA Daily Grizzlies and Blazers Season Preview
Sep 8, 2025
Keith Parish, host of Grits and Grinds, highlights the Grizzlies' offseason changes and expectations for Ja Morant and young players like Zach Edey. He discusses coaching shifts and their potential impact on team dynamics. Meanwhile, Sean Hieken from the Rose Garden Report dives into the Trail Blazers, analyzing the rise of talented guards Scoot Henderson and Shaden Sharp. The conversation touches on player roles, trade rumors, and the Blazers' draft decisions as they prepare for an exciting season ahead.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
New Coach Means Different Style
- The Grizzlies' coaching change to Tuomas Iisalo likely means more screening and ball pressure compared with last year.
- Iisalo is somewhat of a mystery box with Euroleague pedigree, so exact effects remain uncertain.
Bane Trade Signals Asset Pivot
- Trading Desmond Bane signaled a pivot toward accumulating draft assets rather than preserving the existing rotation.
- The front office appears willing to risk short-term competitiveness for long-term draft possibilities.
Zach Edey Is Expected To Step Up
- The Grizzlies hope Zach Edey (Zach Eadie) becomes a bigger offensive contributor after a quiet rookie year.
- More shots may flow to Edey, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. with Desmond Bane gone.