The post-Ja Morant Era will begin for the Memphis Grizzlies when they host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
After seven seasons with the two-time NBA All-Star selection, the Grizzlies will be under new direction at point guard — Ty Jerome — and rebuilding around a young nucleus that includes 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey, second-year wing Cedric Coward and 2026 first-round draft pick Cameron Boozer, the former Duke All-American.
Morant was dealt to Portland during the offseason following several suspensions and multiple injuries in his final few seasons with the Grizzlies. He was the last of what was the franchise’s three key pieces moved. Desmond Bane (Orlando) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (Utah) were traded during the past year and a half.
Second-year Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo will be interested in seeing how Edey responds to two left ankle surgeries earlier this year. An important part of the team’s rebuild, Edey was limited to 11 early season games in 2025-26 because of the injury, but played in the preseason and appeared healthy.
“We have to be very smart with Zach overall, with the long-term in mind and making sure that he’s a big part of our future,” Iisalo said. “We want to protect that.”
Edey understands it will take time before he’s in game shape. But he gained confidence with his play in the preseason and was encouraged by his body’s recovery the day after playing.
“I felt good moving for sure,” Edey said.
Boozer was a steady, solid contributor in the preseason, traits the Grizzlies admired in their rookie when they drafted him third overall. Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds at Duke and, at 19 years old, is likely to be the youngest player in the NBA this season.
The Jazz, like the Grizzlies, are coming off a disappointing season. While the Grizzlies managed 25 victories — their lowest total since 2017-18 — the Jazz won only 22 games.
And like the Grizzlies, the Jazz will be relying on a top draft pick and a big man coming off an injury to improve their fortunes. Darryn Peterson, the overall No. 2 draft pick out of Kansas, is expected to start at point guard. Forward Jaren Jackson Jr., a late-season acquisition from the Grizzlies in 2025-26, is being heavily counted on after injuries limited him to 45 games at Memphis last season.
Jackson, who spent eight seasons with the Grizzlies, played only three games with the Jazz last season before being sidelined to undergo left knee surgery to remove a benign growth.
Peterson struggled from the field (4-of-12) in his final preseason game — a win over the Phoenix Suns. Still, Jazz coach Will Hardy sees a bright, talented point guard who possesses the right qualities to lead his team.
“He’s such a calm person,” Hardy said. “He doesn’t get rattled outwardly and he’s processing the game pretty quickly for a rookie. He’s understanding how to find his teammates. There’s a lot there. He’s very positive to work with.”
One thing Hardy noticed during the preseason was Peterson being unselfish to a fault.
“He understands how to find his teammates,” Hardy said. “There’s a lot to work with there. He’s still fighting some of his good nature in moments (by passing up open shots).”
Hardy said there were stretches in preseason games where Peterson “didn’t even look at the basket (still) it’s so much easier to work with someone whose mindset is about the team.”
–Field Level Media
