The Memphis Grizzlies, facing the challenge of multiple injuries among their key rotation players, are starting their season with a demanding schedule: six games within a span of just nine days.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins is approaching this early stretch with a strategic focus on depth, aiming to spread minutes across the roster to prevent overworking his primary players too soon, as reported by Michael Wallace of Grind City Media.
Jenkins’ plan involves significant contributions from bench players, including some unexpected faces, as he navigates the team’s early-season roster limitations.
One of the most surprising rotations in Wednesday’s season opener was the early appearance of rookie Jaylen Wells, who admitted he didn’t expect to be one of the first called off the bench.
Recalling the moment, Wells shared his surprise: “I was not expecting that. I’m not even going to lie. I think they (yelled for) Scotty (Pippen Jr.). And I thought they only said, ‘Scotty!’ And then they said my name a second time. And I definitely wasn’t expecting that.”
By turning to players like Wells and others who might not typically see early action, Jenkins hopes to maintain a balanced workload and keep his starters fresh as the team weathers this challenging start.
With injuries requiring flexibility, the Grizzlies are counting on contributions from both seasoned players and new additions, embracing a team-wide effort as they look to gain momentum in the early going.
Southwest Notes: Zion, Pelicans, Kidd, Klay, Grizzlies https://t.co/Y6Ag2akqNg pic.twitter.com/7WbePT8sU5
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 26, 2024
