Grizzlies building winning foundation thanks to front office

In the superstar-driven NBA, big names usually lead conversations. But an argument can be made that a team's foundation is only as strong as its front office. 

The lack of team-building vision, competent talent evaluation and proper development has been the downfall of some franchises. On the flip side, some teams make you realize a strong front office is possibly the most important element to a winning formula. 

It's hard to pick many teams doing it better than the Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the big names, but the roster is filled with overlooked and undervalued talent. Even with injuries to key rotation pieces, they're a respectable 7-4, good for sixth place in a competitive Western Conference. 

The Grizzlies' starting backcourt of Morant (hip injury) and Desmond Bane (oblique injury) is out right now. The team still plays with an extreme level of confidence with a roster full of surprises. 

Let's start with the homegrown talent. Jaylen Wells was a second-round pick in June, but his steady play has put him in All-Rookie territory with averages of 11.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Santi Aldama was the 30th pick in 2021 out of Loyola (MD). The 7-footer is putting up 12.8 points and 7.6 boards a night, another example of Memphis trusting the talent regardless of school or predraft standing. 

Next up are a couple of players who were castoffs but have proved to be legit professional hoopers. After going undrafted in 2022, Scotty Pippen Jr. signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was waived in 2023 and picked up by the Grizzlies earlier this year before signing a four-year deal in October. Pippen is proving the doubters wrong with 12.1 points and 6.5 assists a night. 

Another feel-good story is Jay Huff, who is averaging 10.4 points per game. At 7-foot-1, he's shown a soft touch from deep, rim protection and the ability to create a highlight at any moment. Huff was undrafted in 2021 and has spent time with the Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards. Once again, Memphis saw overlooked talent and signed him to a four-year deal in October as well.

Keep in mind that the Grizzlies have two other players waiting to return from injury who check the overlooked box. GG Jackson II was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team in 2023-24. He's a talent who has outplayed his second-round status. Jackson had surgery on his right foot in September and is expected to return this season. 

Memphis will get defensive and playmaking reinforcements as well when Vince Williams Jr. returns from a left shin injury. Williams was a second-round pick in 2022. He scored 10 points per outing during the team's injury-riddled 2023-24 season. 

Just imagine these pieces with the return of Morant and Bane. This arguably could be one of the deepest rosters in the league. The versatility these players bring can't be overlooked as well. This is a result of the vision and competency of a front office that includes general manager Zach Kleiman and vice president of basketball affairs (and NBA champion) Tayshaun Prince. 

Superstars can raise a team's ceiling. A competent front office, though, can build a winning foundation that withstands changes that are sure to come. A lot of teams that have been busy star-chasing should take notes. The reality is general managers and scouts are not built the same.