Memphis Grizzlies - Power Ranking

Week Rank Rating Team Record Comment

15 19 28 Mem 4-8 "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison A reflective rock ballad, it explores the coexistence of beauty and pain in relationships. The lyrics use the metaphor of a rose and its thorn to illustrate how even the most beautiful experiences can have painful aspects, conveying the bittersweet nature of love and the lessons learned from heartache. A team that is loaded with talent and the only thing seemingly holding it back is the pesky thorn in its side that is the salary cap.

14 11 56 Mem 7-5 11. Memphis Grizzlies (South Korea) The Grizzlies' 'tech-savvy' approach to analytics mirrors South Korea's 'technological boom,' leading to 'innovative strategies' and rapid 'economic development' on the court. Weeks ago, the league had question marks for the Grizz - we now see them in a far stronger position.

13 3 84 Mem 10-3 Elevator- Ever seen one of those movies where someone gets stuck in an elevator? Or the action sequence in Star Wars where the Star Destroyer is going down and Anakin and Obi Won nearly get taken out by the free falling Elevator Car? Memphis take out their victim in similar fashion. They can strangle and suffocate their stuck opponent or hit them at full speed in a bloody affair. One thing is certain, they have been a little up and down this season. Watch out for them in the play-in.

12 6 74 Mem 9-4 Memphis Grizzlies - "No Rain" – Blind Melon (1992) Instantly recognisable, and enthused with joy, the Grizzlies are dancing like the Bee Girl from the music video. There’s no rain in Memphis now, they are in sunshine. They have bathed in the sweet elixir of recent weeks, and found their groove. Memphis continue to go from strength to strength, they will hope to be on the radar longer than Blind Melon.

11 15 56 Mem 7-6 Memphis Grizzlies: The Minotaur 🐂🗡️ Why? The Grizzlies embody the Minotaur’s blend of brute strength and labyrinthine complexity, trapping opponents in a maze of physicality and unpredictability. Horns of Fury (Star Power): Jaylen Brown charges like the Minotaur’s lethal horns, slashing defenses with explosive drives and mid-range dominance. Jaren Jackson Jr. fortifies the maze’s walls, swatting shots and anchoring the paint with primal intensity. Labyrinth Defense (Strategic Chaos): Bam Adebayo weaves defensive puzzles, using strength and agility to disorient foes. Maze Runners (Depth): Youngbloods like Zach Edey and Stephon Castle dart through the corridors, their raw energy and hustle adding twists to the Grizzlies’ gameplan.

10 23 37 Mem 5-8 Cocaine Bear - The true story of a 79kg bear that consumed misplaced drug-smuggled cocaine amounting to 34kg. The Memphis Grizzlies are on the white powder it would seem. After stagnating, the Grizzlies are stringing together spikes in productivity. And then, in equal measure, crushing comedowns. This bear had no need for 34 kgs of cocaine to enter his system, but it did. Now it is about riding that wave, it might be good, or it might be bad. Now the taxidermied bear can officiate weddings... where to for this NSL version?

9 18 47 Mem 6-7 Bran Stark, Bran the Broken, The one eyed raven - Bran, had a very interesting story. One that saw him go on his journey far from any of the other main characters, and far from what anyone else may of ever done. Bran became the one eyed raven, almost the librarian of all that ever was. Knowing the history of what was and what will be. Although he never wanted the thrown he was appointed for that very reason.

8 19 36 Mem 5-8

7 22 35 Mem 5-7 The Evil Queen - Memphis Can brew deadly potions, transform herself, and summon dark magic.Memphis have all the abilities to be a force of evil and malevolence in the NSL. However, the potions and transformation has not worked, and they continue to ask the same question to the mirror - “WHY?” - they look to be the fairest in the land and still continue to struggle. A team with all the assets and abilities unable to make it happen; beaten by minnow teams that they shouldn’t. GM Rootsey would be frustrated by this - can they unleash their terror and deal a poison apple to the league.

6 27 13 Mem 3-9 Mr Potato Head (Toy Story) - This was probably the worst fit of all, but there were some traits that I saw as a match and to be honest, I was almost out of characters. For Rootsey, I didn't want to focus on the comedic tone/butt of the jokes role that Mr Potato Head plays in the films, but more likening the stubbornness, commitment to beliefs, banter and falling a part to the Grizz' steward. Rootsey is an invaluable member of the NSL community, but the Grizz journey over the past two years has been a tragic comedy; despite never rushing to make a move and stewing on the idea, some how the Grizz managed to put continuous wrong steps in place that saw them miss playoffs, possess the highest potential luxury fine of all time and be one of the worst teams this season (so far).

5 24 15 Mem 3-9 Norman Bates (Psycho) - Quiet, controlled, and calculated, the Memphis Grizzlies wait. Much like Norman Bates, whose seemingly calm demeanor hides his disturbing actions, the Grizzlies are sitting in waiting. They have yet to find their murder spree, unable to unlock the ‘mother’ inside. Jaylen Brown is a stud and absolute star, but his 2k game hasn’t quite matched this season. Like Norman’s dual nature, the Grizzlies can be both composed and aggressive, catching opponents off guard with their sharp strategies and sudden moments of decline… which is where we currently see the organisation at 3-9. With all the pieces to make something happen, the team and organisation would be frustrated. “We all go a little mad sometimes.”

4 23 26 Mem 4-8 Rocky Balboa - Rocky. I couldnt of done a write up about big time movie characters and not included the famous Rocky Balboa. These boxing movies are some of the greats. Fun fact Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky and had some troubles find a studio to produce it because he would only accept it if he played Rocky. Which he obviously finally did. Stallone when on to write and direct 4 out of the 4 sequel movies. Rocky is a true underdog story, showing will and drive to compete and win against the best boxers in the world.

3 22 26 Mem 4-8 Hard to pin point what exactly Memphis projects to be this season. Injuries to key depth pieces seem to be hindering the Grizzlies. Still, this team seems to be underachieving.

2 23 21 Mem 3-5 "Holding Out for a Hero" - Bonnie Tyler- They are needing to find a hero for this team not sure why nobody has taken on the role of being that No. 1 guy but they sit at 3-7 right now with no true 1st option. Maybe they'll look to trade for one now that they are below the 2nd apron and have some breathing room.

1 24 6 Mem 1-3 I'm not sure what to make of the Grizzlies. Rootsey was super impressive all off-season, guiding his team out of financial hell while keeping the roster competitive. However, I feel this Grizzlies team may pale in comparison to past editions; while saving the teams finances and drafting great young players were great decisions and critical actions to perform, other teams were fully upgrading to their final form. Slow burn for the Grizz, perhaps?

	GS	113
	CHI	97

	NO	106
	LAL	111

	CHA	111
	DEN	116

	BOS	116
	SAC	110

	MIN	106
	POR	96

Week	Rank	Rating	Team	Record	Comment
15	19	28	Mem	4-8	"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison A reflective rock ballad, it explores the coexistence of beauty and pain in relationships. The lyrics use the metaphor of a rose and its thorn to illustrate how even the most beautiful experiences can have painful aspects, conveying the bittersweet nature of love and the lessons learned from heartache. A team that is loaded with talent and the only thing seemingly holding it back is the pesky thorn in its side that is the salary cap.
14	11	56	Mem	7-5	11. Memphis Grizzlies (South Korea) The Grizzlies' 'tech-savvy' approach to analytics mirrors South Korea's 'technological boom,' leading to 'innovative strategies' and rapid 'economic development' on the court. Weeks ago, the league had question marks for the Grizz - we now see them in a far stronger position.
13	3	84	Mem	10-3	Elevator- Ever seen one of those movies where someone gets stuck in an elevator? Or the action sequence in Star Wars where the Star Destroyer is going down and Anakin and Obi Won nearly get taken out by the free falling Elevator Car? Memphis take out their victim in similar fashion. They can strangle and suffocate their stuck opponent or hit them at full speed in a bloody affair. One thing is certain, they have been a little up and down this season. Watch out for them in the play-in.
12	6	74	Mem	9-4	Memphis Grizzlies - "No Rain" – Blind Melon (1992) Instantly recognisable, and enthused with joy, the Grizzlies are dancing like the Bee Girl from the music video. There’s no rain in Memphis now, they are in sunshine. They have bathed in the sweet elixir of recent weeks, and found their groove. Memphis continue to go from strength to strength, they will hope to be on the radar longer than Blind Melon.
11	15	56	Mem	7-6	Memphis Grizzlies: The Minotaur 🐂🗡️ Why? The Grizzlies embody the Minotaur’s blend of brute strength and labyrinthine complexity, trapping opponents in a maze of physicality and unpredictability. Horns of Fury (Star Power): Jaylen Brown charges like the Minotaur’s lethal horns, slashing defenses with explosive drives and mid-range dominance. Jaren Jackson Jr. fortifies the maze’s walls, swatting shots and anchoring the paint with primal intensity. Labyrinth Defense (Strategic Chaos): Bam Adebayo weaves defensive puzzles, using strength and agility to disorient foes. Maze Runners (Depth): Youngbloods like Zach Edey and Stephon Castle dart through the corridors, their raw energy and hustle adding twists to the Grizzlies’ gameplan.
10	23	37	Mem	5-8	Cocaine Bear - The true story of a 79kg bear that consumed misplaced drug-smuggled cocaine amounting to 34kg. The Memphis Grizzlies are on the white powder it would seem. After stagnating, the Grizzlies are stringing together spikes in productivity. And then, in equal measure, crushing comedowns. This bear had no need for 34 kgs of cocaine to enter his system, but it did. Now it is about riding that wave, it might be good, or it might be bad. Now the taxidermied bear can officiate weddings... where to for this NSL version?
9	18	47	Mem	6-7	Bran Stark, Bran the Broken, The one eyed raven - Bran, had a very interesting story. One that saw him go on his journey far from any of the other main characters, and far from what anyone else may of ever done. Bran became the one eyed raven, almost the librarian of all that ever was. Knowing the history of what was and what will be. Although he never wanted the thrown he was appointed for that very reason.
8	19	36	Mem	5-8
7	22	35	Mem	5-7	The Evil Queen - Memphis Can brew deadly potions, transform herself, and summon dark magic.Memphis have all the abilities to be a force of evil and malevolence in the NSL. However, the potions and transformation has not worked, and they continue to ask the same question to the mirror - “WHY?” - they look to be the fairest in the land and still continue to struggle. A team with all the assets and abilities unable to make it happen; beaten by minnow teams that they shouldn’t. GM Rootsey would be frustrated by this - can they unleash their terror and deal a poison apple to the league.
6	27	13	Mem	3-9	Mr Potato Head (Toy Story) - This was probably the worst fit of all, but there were some traits that I saw as a match and to be honest, I was almost out of characters. For Rootsey, I didn't want to focus on the comedic tone/butt of the jokes role that Mr Potato Head plays in the films, but more likening the stubbornness, commitment to beliefs, banter and falling a part to the Grizz' steward. Rootsey is an invaluable member of the NSL community, but the Grizz journey over the past two years has been a tragic comedy; despite never rushing to make a move and stewing on the idea, some how the Grizz managed to put continuous wrong steps in place that saw them miss playoffs, possess the highest potential luxury fine of all time and be one of the worst teams this season (so far).
5	24	15	Mem	3-9	Norman Bates (Psycho) - Quiet, controlled, and calculated, the Memphis Grizzlies wait. Much like Norman Bates, whose seemingly calm demeanor hides his disturbing actions, the Grizzlies are sitting in waiting. They have yet to find their murder spree, unable to unlock the ‘mother’ inside. Jaylen Brown is a stud and absolute star, but his 2k game hasn’t quite matched this season. Like Norman’s dual nature, the Grizzlies can be both composed and aggressive, catching opponents off guard with their sharp strategies and sudden moments of decline… which is where we currently see the organisation at 3-9. With all the pieces to make something happen, the team and organisation would be frustrated. “We all go a little mad sometimes.”
4	23	26	Mem	4-8	Rocky Balboa - Rocky. I couldnt of done a write up about big time movie characters and not included the famous Rocky Balboa. These boxing movies are some of the greats. Fun fact Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky and had some troubles find a studio to produce it because he would only accept it if he played Rocky. Which he obviously finally did. Stallone when on to write and direct 4 out of the 4 sequel movies. Rocky is a true underdog story, showing will and drive to compete and win against the best boxers in the world.
3	22	26	Mem	4-8	Hard to pin point what exactly Memphis projects to be this season. Injuries to key depth pieces seem to be hindering the Grizzlies. Still, this team seems to be underachieving.
2	23	21	Mem	3-5	"Holding Out for a Hero" - Bonnie Tyler- They are needing to find a hero for this team not sure why nobody has taken on the role of being that No. 1 guy but they sit at 3-7 right now with no true 1st option. Maybe they'll look to trade for one now that they are below the 2nd apron and have some breathing room.
1	24	6	Mem	1-3	I'm not sure what to make of the Grizzlies. Rootsey was super impressive all off-season, guiding his team out of financial hell while keeping the roster competitive. However, I feel this Grizzlies team may pale in comparison to past editions; while saving the teams finances and drafting great young players were great decisions and critical actions to perform, other teams were fully upgrading to their final form. Slow burn for the Grizz, perhaps?