Players Who Can Flip The NBA Season Upside Down: Western Conference
1. Ja Morant, PG, Memphis Grizzlies:
Just 2 seasons ago, the Grizzlies were the 2 seed in the Western Conference, and were viewed as title contenders for years to come with their young star point guard Ja Morant leading the team. After a 2nd round loss to the Lakers in 2022-2023, the Grizzlies were looking to make the next leap in 2023-2024 but that did not happen. The Grizzlies dealt with more injuries than anyone last year as they broke a record for most unique starting lineups in one season. Between injuries to Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and other core members, the Grizzlies season was a mess, but it seemed to be lost before it even began.
During the 2023 off-season, Morant was seen with a firearm in an Instagram live video which resulted in a 25-game suspension to start the season. With him out for the first 25 games, the Grizzlies were already a step behind other contenders out west. During that stretch, they went 6-19 without Ja, but they had hoped things would turn around when their superstar returned. When Morant returned from the suspension, the Grizzlies won four games in a row, won six out of nine, and were gaining momentum but that would quickly end.
On January 9th it was announced Morant would miss the remainder of the season as he was undergoing shoulder surgery. Any hope the Grizzlies had of making another run was over before it even started. After being the 2 seed in 2022-2023 the Grizzlies were the 13th seed last season with a record of 27-55. Last season was so bad that many have forgotten how good the team was in 2022-2023, making them dangerous this upcoming season.
Desmond Bane is a 3-level scorer who can shoot out the gym. Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the league's best rim protectors with the ability to stretch the floor on offense. Most importantly Ja Morant is a dynamic scorer who puts pressure on the rim in ways not many can with his speed and athleticism. In his 9 games last season, Morant averaged 25 points a game with 5.6 rebounds and 8 assists. Those are elite numbers but he had even better production the previous season. In 2022-2023 Morant averaged 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists over 61 games while leading Memphis to the number two seed. Ja is one of the league's best players but seems to be forgotten due to the Grizzlies lost season last year.
When fully healthy the Grizzlies are a dangerous team behind Morant, and could make some real noise this upcoming season.
4. Demar DeRozan, F, Sacramento Kings:
Despite being one of the league's best offenses for the last two years the Kings lack shot-creators. De'Aaron Fox is maybe the fastest player in the league and can get any shot he wants, and Malik Monk is a certified scorer off the bench. Outside of those two the Kings don't have many that can get a good shot at any point. With DeRozan, they have a player who makes hard shots look easy and a player who finds a way to get any shot he wants.
The Kings' offense is built on ball movement which is great and the right way to build an offense, but sometimes finding a good shot is hard. In last year's play-in game vs. the Pelicans and against the Warriors in 2022-2023, there were moments where good shots were hard to find. Domantas Sabonis is a great facilitator at center, Kevin Huerter is a good three-point shooter, and Keegan Murray is an emerging 3-level scorer, but none of them are guys who can get a good shot whenever they want, which has impacted the offense at times. Demar is the total opposite, as he is a good playmaker, but there aren't many better when it comes to walking down the defender and getting to your spot than DeRozan.
The Kings may struggle defensively with DeRozan, Huerter, and Sabonis, but on offense, they will be hard to stop. A lineup of Fox, Monk, DeRozan, Murray, and Sabonis will create numerous problems for opposing teams. Murray is a knock-down shooter, Monk can catch fire at any moment from deep, Fox is a dynamic scorer with an improved deep ball, Sabonis is an elite passer, and DeRozan is one of the best mid-range scorers in the game. The Kings are going to run all game and get whatever shot they want at all points which will create problems for opposing defenses.
The Kings were the 3-seed in 2022-2023 and could finish that high once again with a potentially potent offense. Anything the Kings give up on defense they will get right back on offense, and DeRozan is a major part of that. The Kings will be a lot of fun to watch but will also win a lot of games this year with their offense.
6. James Harden, PG, Los Angeles Clippers:
For the first time since his days in Houston, Harden gets to run the show on offense. Last season Harden averaged just 16.6 points a game with 5 rebounds and 8.5 assists on 43% shooting from the field and 38% from three. That was the first time Harden had been below 20 points a game since 2011-2012 when he was still on the Thunder. The Clippers lost Paul George this off-season but re-signed Harden to a 2-year deal and essentially gave him the keys to the offense.
Harden is not the same player he was during his MVP years in Houston but he is still a productive player on offense and showed it in the playoffs vs. the Mavericks. He averaged 21, 5, and 8 in the team's first-round loss last year but was arguably the Clippers best player. In game one, he had 28 points and 8 assists in a victory, and in a game four win to tie the series 2-2, Harden had 33, 6, and 7. He can still run an offense and generate good shots for himself and his teammates, and without Paul George, he will have more of an opportunity to run the show.
Kawhi Leonard is still on the team and is the team's best player but Kawhi always misses time and rests for the playoffs. With Leonard's availability being questionable during the regular season, Harden will get the chance to play to his strengths for the first time in a long time this year. On paper, the Clippers are not expected to be a contender and they most likely won't be, but they are full of 3-and-D wing defenders along with Leonard, and Harden.
The Clippers could be a hard out for anyone this year if Harden is still a lethal offensive player with the keys to the offense. They may not make any serious noise for the title, but they could upset a team, if Harden is unlocked this year in a way he hasn't been since leaving Houston. Outside of Leonard, Normal Powell, and Kevin Porter Jr. the Clippers don't have much shot creation which will allow Harden to play his game. With defenders and shooters around him, Harden has a chance to lead an efficient offense in LA and make some noise in the playoffs.