Memphis Grizzlies 2026: Navigating the Post-Bane Era Under Tuomas Iisalo

The New Memphis Reality: Speed, Space, and Another Injury-Riddled Season

As of late January 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at a fascinating but frustrating crossroads. With a record of 18-25, they sit 11th in the Western Conference, fighting to stay relevant in the play-in conversation while grappling with a familiar foe: injuries. The 2025-26 season was billed as a revolutionary shift—a new high-octane “European” system under head coach Tuomas Iisalo and a roster reshaped by the blockbuster trade of Desmond Bane. Yet, the reality has been a stop-start campaign defined by the absences of superstars Ja Morant and rookie sensation Zach Edey.

The firing of Taylor Jenkins in the spring of 2025 marked the end of the “Grit and Grind 2.0” era. In his place, Iisalo has installed a frantic, pace-heavy offense that has unlocked new dimensions in Ja Morant’s game when healthy. However, the departure of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic remains the defining storyline, altering the team’s chemistry and ceiling. This guide breaks down the current state of the Grizzlies, their tactical evolution, and what to expect for the remainder of the 2026 season.

2025-2026 Season Snapshot

Roster Shakeup: The Desmond Bane Trade & New Faces

The shockwaves of the June 2025 trade that sent fan-favorite Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic are still being felt. In return, Memphis acquired veteran sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP), guard Cole Anthony, and a treasure trove of draft capital (four unprotected first-round picks). The front office’s logic was clear: capitalize on Bane’s peak value to replenish assets while betting that Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson could fill the scoring void on rookie-scale contracts.

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Has stepped into the starting shooting guard role, bringing championship pedigree and reliable defense. However, he lacks Bane’s self-creation ability, forcing Morant to carry a heavier offensive load.
• Cole Anthony: Provides a spark off the bench but has struggled with consistency in Iisalo’s read-and-react system.
• Jaylen Wells: The sophomore has been a bright spot, promoted to a significant rotation role. His 3-and-D potential is the team’s best hope for replacing Bane’s production long-term.

Tactical Shift: The “Iisalo System”

Coach Tuomas Iisalo arrived with a reputation for offensive innovation from Europe (Paris Basketball), and the visual change is stark. Gone is the methodical half-court grind; in its place is a system predicated on extreme pace and numerical advantages.

1. The “Dentist Appointment” Defense

Iisalo famously described his ideal defense as “unpleasant, like a dentist appointment.” This involves full-court pressure and aggressive trapping to force turnovers that fuel their transition attack. When active, Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) acts as the ultimate safety valve, erasing mistakes at the rim. However, the high exertion level has arguably contributed to the team’s fatigue and injury issues.

2. Ja Morant Unleashed

Before his elbow injury, Ja Morant was thriving in this space. Iisalo’s system simplifies the floor for Morant, using high ball screens and “Step + Shadow” actions to get him downhill instantly. Morant’s usage rate spiked to ~34.6%, and he was averaging nearly 20 points and 8 assists with improved efficiency before being sidelined.

Injury Report: The “Curse” Continues

The 2025-26 season feels eerily similar to recent years, with key core pieces missing extended time. As of late January 2026, the injury list is daunting:

• Ja Morant (PG): Out with a left-elbow UCL sprain. Expected to be re-evaluated in mid-February. His absence completely stalls the offense.
• Zach Edey (C): The rookie center was having a promising debut campaign (averaging ~10 PPG, 8 RPG) before suffering a stress reaction in his left ankle. He is out until at least early March.
• Brandon Clarke & Ty Jerome: Both are sidelined with calf injuries, depleting the bench depth that is crucial for Iisalo’s high-energy system.

Player Spotlights

Zach Edey: The Rookie Anchor

Despite the injury, Zach Edey has silenced doubters. The 7’4″ center has shown he can survive in a high-pace system, using his gravity as a roller to free up shooters. He became the first Grizzlies rookie since Pau Gasol to record three consecutive double-doubles. His screen-setting is already elite, and his defensive positioning has improved faster than expected.

Jaren Jackson Jr.: The Lone Star

With Bane gone and Morant injured, the weight of the franchise falls on Jaren Jackson Jr.. He has responded with aggressive scoring, though his efficiency has dipped as defenses collapse on him. Rumors of a trade surfaced briefly in early January but were quickly squashed; the franchise still views him as untouchable alongside Morant.

GG Jackson: The Sophomore Slump?

After a breakout rookie year, GG Jackson has struggled to find consistency in his new role. Tasked with being a primary scorer off the bench, his shot selection has been erratic. However, the coaching staff remains committed to his development, viewing him as the long-term “third star” scorer the team needs.

Outlook: Tank or Push?

With Morant out until at least the All-Star break and the team sitting 11th, the Grizzlies face a decision. The “play-in” spots are within reach, but the accumulation of injuries might force a “soft tank” to improve their draft position for 2026. The integration of Cedric Coward (rookie wing) and the development of Wells will likely take precedence over chasing the 8th seed if Morant’s recovery stalls.