Josh Jackson Acquisition Means Grizzlies Could Surprise in Wide Open West

Last year's Memphis Grizzlies were the dictionary definition of mediocrity and anonymity. With Marc Gasol dealt at the deadline, Mike Conley counting down the days to his impending exit, and JB Bickerstaff holding on to his job by a threat, the Grizzlies were one of the most unwatchable teams in the NBA.

Their luck could begin to turn in 2019, however, following a strong draft and the acquisition of one of an athletic young wing stuck in a bad situation. The Grizzlies sent Kyle Korver and 2018 second round pick Jevon Carter to the Phoenix Suns for Josh Jackson, the former Kansas star and No. 4 overall pick in 2017 that averaged 11.5 points per game.

Don't look now, but they're building something that could be really special down in Tennessee.

New head coach Taylor Jenkins comes from the Mike Budenholzer coaching tree that has produced studs like Brooklyn's Kenny Atkinson and promising young coaches like Charlotte's James Borrego.

With No. 2 overall pick and athletic marvel Ja Morant next to All-Rookie performer Jaren Jackson Jr. and another 2019 first rounder in Gonzaga's Brandon Clarke, Memphis has quietly built quite the deep roster.

Rather than sticking Jackson in a corner on the wing and asking him to shoot, the Grizzlies can let Jackson play in his preferred small forward spot and use his natural athleticism to attack the rim. Khris Middleton had success in this role while Jenkins was in Milwaukee.

Jackson and Morant's development is essential to Memphis' 2019 campaign. If all their young guys hit their stride, don't be shocked if Jenkins and the Grizzlies make some noise, even in a deep west.