The Starting 5 Podcast: What is your definition of “fine?”

In this week's episode of the Next Gen Podcast, Hosts Bryson Wright and Alex Winton give their initial reactions to Ja Morant's return. We talked about how he played on both ends of the floor, found his teammates, and whether or not it made sense for him to find his teammates. Next, we talk about how Jaren Jackson Jr. has been playing lately, averaging over 29 points per game over his last five games. Discussing what makes him such a mismatch on the offensive end, how he has continued to improve, and what he does for the Grizzlies' offense, especially in the halfcourt. Finally, we discuss the contributions of the role players, including Tyus Jones and David Roddy. We also talk about how the addition of Luke Kennard could be the most underrated of the deadline!

On this week’s episode, the Starting 5 began the show discussing Tyus Jones’ recent stretch of excellent play that has kept the Grizzlies afloat in the absence of Ja Morant. With Ja Morant’s return coming this week, Tyus Jones will have to keep up his high level in a bench role. In the next segment titled “Hustle Up” Memphis Hustle reporter, Parish Sharkey, gives an update on the Memphis Grizzlies G League affiliate. The Memphis Hustle clinched a playoff spot in the G League playoffs after Saturday night’s win against the Rio Grande Vipers. To close the show, the Starting 5 picked the winner for the first two rounds of their NBA playoff contenders bracketology they ranked in last week’s episode. The guys will pick their final four winners in next week’s episode. Follow @Starting5Mem, @DaOne_PShark, @_SKYLITO, @TheArtofTrevor, @ItsReallySheedy, @TevShakir, @sbngrizzlies, @BluffCity_Media Beats: Xela, Graphics: Will Stone. Like, subscribe, download, and write a review to the Bluff City Media podcast network.

Parker Fleming and Joe Mullinax team up once again for an action-packed episode. - The recent uptick in Luke Kennard's volume - Why the naysayers devaluing Kennard for his defense are silly - Audio from Kennard/Taylor Jenkins on the Grizzlies' coach "being on his case" to let it fly - What to watch for with getting Ja Morant back in the mix - Tyus Jones, the reserve - Empowered Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane Follow @sbngrizzlies, @GBBLive, @PAKA_FLOCKA, @JoeMullinax. Beats: Flemdawg1hunna, Graphics: Will Stone. Like, subscribe, download, and write a review to the Grizzly Bear Blues podcast network. Subscribe to the Bluff City Media YouTube Channel.

The Core Four is back for another week, down a man in the rotation. Dave and Matt run the two-man game in Xavier's absence. They open the show by covering the week that was for the Memphis Grizzlies and Matt recaps the Tennessee Vols' first weekend of March Madness. In Embrace Debate, Dave and Matt share their thoughts on Ja Morant's impending return. The length of his suspension may have been the right amount of time, but was it enough for Ja to really change his behavior? Matt deep dives into Ja's sit down with Jalen Rose and Dave believes Ja needs to have his priorities in order before he returns. In Kleiman Corner, the guys grade the Luke Kennard trade and revisit some other trades around the league. Kennard has added much-needed shooting and spacing to the Grizzlies' offense but he may not be fully acclimated just yet. He could see added minutes by the time the postseason rolls around but his defense could make him a liability if opposing teams hunt him on that end of the floor. The team that won the deadline so far? The Los Angeles Lakers, just in time for a playoff push. What's Hot and What's Not? The 76ers have been the hottest team in basketball going back to the start of the year while the Denver Nuggets have hit a tailspin. It's flipped the MVP race on its head and left Matt wondering if Denver is beatable on the way through the West. Dave is cold on the League Pass lineup as tanking season takes hold. New Segment Alert. The guys wrap up the show with their Crystal Ball segment, predicting seeding for the Playoffs. Matt is still waiting on the Heat to move up the Eastern Conference standings. Dave has the Grizzlies reclaiming sole possession of the two-seed. One thing is for certain, this could be the most wide-open the playoffs have been in years.

Bryson Wright and Alex Winton discuss the latest in Grizzlies news, starting with their promising play in the last four games. Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks are all stepping up along with the best backup PG in league with Tyus Jones. Has Brooks taken the heat off of JA with his antics lately? Next, we discuss David Roddy's play over the last few games, especially the 17-point fourth quarter against Dallas. He has improved a lot since the beginning of the season and has reached definite rotation piece status. We talk about why Roddy's skillset could be very important for the Grizzlies down the stretch. We end by focusing on the Ja Morant situation and how his return changes the outlook for the rest of the season. We also discuss his interview with Jalen Rose and what we need to see from Ja going forward. We also touch on the possible team USA connections with both Bane and Jackson Jr. heading into the summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Ja Morant out of the lineup, it's a growing opportunity for all parties with the Memphis Grizzlies. For this GBBLive, I have Anthony Sain with me to discuss a ton of angles within the past few weeks -- particularly around Morant's events off the court, and the trinkle effect with this team. We unpack the news of Ja Morant going to a counseling center in Florida, while stressing the importance of getting right mentally before returning to the court -- however long it may be. With murmurs of the Grizzlies' leadership and their playoff hopes, we talk about the big opportunity ahead for Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in this stretch. We break down Desmond Bane's evolution as a playmaking guard that can score at all 3 levels and find his teammates. We weigh in on Bane needing to take more 3's. Finally, we look at how Jaren Jackson Jr. has grown in this stretch, and where he could also improve -- with huge comp, and a far-look into next season. I pose the final question of whether or not this is a moment Jackson finds his voice as the leader of this Grizzlies team. Like, subscribe, and write a review for GBBLive, the Grizzly Bear Blues podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Core 4 is back to break down who they want to see in the first round of the playoffs, Dillon Brooks play (and mouth) as of late, give their picks for the NBA awards, and share their list of guys they're keeping an eye on during March Madness that could fit with the Grizzlies. The Playoffs are approaching and in a stacked Western Conference the Grizzlies' first-round matchup is up in the air. Few games separate every team and Memphis is still battling for the two seed. Dave and Matt agree, another matchup with the Timberwolves would be great to see. It was a battle of two young budding superstars dueling it out in the first round last year and this year the Wolves have added Mike Conley who is beloved in Memphis. Xavier isn't ducking any smoke and wants some Golden State revenge in an early matchup. Dillon Brooks has been making headlines by calling out various NBA stars and backing it up with solid defensive performances. But is all his talk a harmful distraction for Memphis? Going head-to-head with Draymond Green could only motivate Golden State more if they were to match up in the playoffs. One thing is for sure, Brooks has regressed back into poor offensive habits. The C4 give their picks for this year's NBA awards. Matt and Xavier are aligned that Jokic has done enough to win a third straight MVP but Dave thinks Joel Embiid deserves more respect. Everybody agrees Jaren is DPOY but Brook Lopez has made a great case for himself over the last few weeks. Xavier has a surprise selection for his rookie of the year. To close out the show, the guys give their list of college players they'll be paying close attention to during March Madness. Xavier wants one player to not even have to leave Memphis. Dave likes one of the top recruits and Matt is looking for more shooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode, the Starting 5 began the show discussing the beef between Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green. The timing was too perfect for the back-and-forth between the two players as the Grizzlies and Warriors played last week and have another game coming up this weekend. In the next segment, the Starting 5 discuss the news of Steven Adams being out at least four weeks after receiving a stem cell injection. Thoughts of him being out for the rest of the season are not farfetched and the word “reevaluate” doesn’t help that thought. To close the show, the Starting 5 ranked the current NBA playoff contenders in the NCAA tournament format from seeds 1-4. That means four #1 seeds, #2 seeds, #3 seeds, and #4 seeds, and we will pick winners for each in the coming weeks. Follow @Starting5Mem, @DaOne_PShark, @_SKYLITO, @TheArtofTrevor, @ItsReallySheedy, @TevShakir, @sbngrizzlies, @BluffCity_Media Beats: Xela, Graphics: Will Stone. Like, subscribe, download, and write a review to the Bluff City Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Next Gen Podcast, Bryson Wright and Alex Winton react to the Grizzlies' big win over the Warriors. We discuss the Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green back and forth, along with how he responded and the continued great play of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyus Jones. Then, we give an update on the Ja Morant situation after no charges have been filed against him in Denver. Bryson and Alex give their thought on the situation as a whole and how it should be a learning experience for Ja going forward. Everyone is wondering how long Morant will be out. Finally, we give a Grizzlies injury update as Brandon Clarke is out for the rest of the season, and Steven Adams has faced another setback. We discuss who needs to step up in the prolonged absence of both Adams and Clarke! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Memphis Grizzlies suffered a huge blow to the rotation when Brandon Clarke tore his achilles. On this episode of GBBLive -- its debut under the Bluff City Media umbrella -- Parker Fleming has Keith Parish aka Fastbreak Breakfast to talk about how they'll miss their 6th man. They also discuss how Clarke gave lineup optionality with the ability to go varying styles in the postseason, like a chess match. In the process, they lost a bonafide playoff rotation guy, leaving unproven postseason players in situations to rise to those moments. Finally, they mourn over how we no longer get to see the lineup of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, and Jaren Jackson Jr. They had a net rating of +24.6 in 118 possessions together this season and was a frequent closing lineup for the Grizzlies the past two seasons. They go over potential options for a "Death Lineup" with the Grizzlies, if there's even one anymore, while also pondering whether or not Taylor Jenkins should roll with some young guys (Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, Jake LaRavia) off the bench. Follow @BluffCity_Media, @sbngrizzlies, @GBBLive, @PAKA_FLOCKA, @BrysonWright3. Beats: Flemdawg1hunna, Graphics: Will Stone. Like, subscribe, download, and write a review to the Grizzly Bear Blues podcast network. You can subscribe to more Insider content with the best Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers coverage here, and use promo code “GBBLive” for 10% off annual subscriptions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices