In loss to Grizzlies, the Pacers witness the rewards of a rebuild

The Grizzlies’ smart rebuild gives hope to the Pacers’ youth movement

Like the Pacers, the Grizzlies were perennial playoff contenders since 2010. While their title window was never resolute, Memphis was in the competitive scene for a lengthy period. Also like the Pacers, they perhaps overrode their chances by trying to extend the lifespan of the former Grit N’ Grind from 2015-2019.

But unlike the Pacers, the Grizzlies quickly recognized the art of thinking bigger. With the dynastic Warriors still at the helm at that time, Memphis picked the best time to lie low and start from ground zero.

Now, look what happened. Boy, did it work.

From picking top prospects in Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., finding gold in the draft with Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane, and hunting positive supporting pieces in Kyle Anderson, Tyus Jones, and De’Anthony Melton, among many others, the Grizzlies made the most out of their quick rebuild despite the overarched limits of a small market.

Now, Memphis is the envy of teams stuck in the bottom. Their roster may still not wow you enough to blindly tab them as contenders, but this is a culmination of patience, luck, culture-setting, and youth development all at once.