Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart 2025 Breakdown

The Memphis Grizzlies depth chart offers valuable insight into the team’s strategic lineup and potential rotation for the 2025 NBA season. With a roster that blends young talent, emerging stars, and defensive prowess, the Grizzlies are poised to be a Western Conference threat. Understanding the Grizzlies depth chart not only reveals player roles but also helps fans and analysts project game outcomes, fantasy stats, and injury impacts.

This guide dives deep into the Memphis depth chart, position by position, examining starters, key bench players, rotations, recent changes, and how the depth chart affects the team’s overall success.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Memphis Grizzlies Roster

The Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart have built a dynamic team around their franchise cornerstone, Ja Morant. Known for their gritty, grind-it-out style and commitment to defense, Memphis has steadily emerged as one of the more consistent squads in the NBA. The team’s management has carefully balanced youth development with experienced contributors, creating a well-structured depth chart that gives them flexibility in matchups.

Point Guard – Lead by Ja Morant

Starter: Ja Morant

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 174 lbs
Strengths: Explosive athleticism, playmaking, clutch scoring

Ja Morant sits atop the Memphis Grizzlies depth chart at the point guard position. Despite previous suspensions and injuries, Morant remains the heartbeat of the franchise. He commands the offense, initiates fast breaks, and often dictates the game’s tempo.

Backup: Derrick Rose

Veteran leadership
Provides backup ball-handling and mentoring for the younger guards

Third-string: Jacob Gilyard or Marcus Smart (combo guard role)

The depth at point guard ensures that the team has adequate playmaking off the bench. Marcus Smart, while a natural shooting guard, often handles point duties due to his high IQ and defensive skills.

Shooting Guard – A Defensive and Scoring Mix

Starter: Desmond Bane

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 215 lbs
Role: Scoring guard with elite 3-point shooting

Bane has become a critical part of the Grizzlies’ offense. His ability to space the floor and score from deep makes him indispensable. As a reliable second option behind Morant, he’s solidified his spot on the Grizzlies depth chart.

Backup: Luke Kennard

Sharpshooter with excellent off-ball movement
Can also play in small-ball lineups

Rotation/Developmental: Ziaire Williams

Athleticism and size bring potential for development
Versatile enough to swing between the 2 and 3 spots

Small Forward – The Swingman Spot

Starter: Ziaire Williams / GG Jackson

This position has seen fluctuation due to injuries and lineup experimentation. Williams and GG Jackson are young talents battling for the starting nod.

Ziaire Williams: Long, athletic, and improving defensively
GG Jackson: Rookie with scoring upside and raw tools

Backup: David Roddy

High-energy player known for defense and hustle
Can guard multiple positions

Additional Depth: Vince Williams Jr.

Role player who can provide minutes in case of injuries

The Memphis depth chart at small forward leans on versatility and youth, which can be both a strength and a challenge.

Power Forward – Grit and Grind

Starter: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Height: 6’11” | Weight: 242 lbs
2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year
Stretches the floor and anchors the defense

Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a cornerstone of the Memphis Grizzlies depth chart, especially on defense. His shot-blocking and perimeter defense make him one of the most valuable big men in the league.

Backup: Santi Aldama

Offensive versatility
Can shoot, rebound, and play both the 4 and 5

Rotation: Brandon Clarke (currently recovering from injury)

Energetic finisher and underrated shot blocker
Important bench piece when healthy

The Grizzlies’ depth at power forward gives them multiple options depending on matchups and availability.

Center – Dominating the Paint

Starter: Steven Adams

Veteran leader and elite screen-setter
Dominates the boards and adds toughness inside

Adams’ role as the primary center is critical to the team’s rebounding and interior defense. While not flashy, his presence is often the glue for the team’s frontcourt.

Backup: Xavier Tillman Sr.

High-IQ defender and solid passer
Steps up during Adams’ absences

Depth: Bismack Biyombo

Veteran presence and rim protector
Insurance policy for injuries

The Grizzlies depth chart at center provides a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy, ensuring consistency in paint production.

Grizzlies Depth Chart: Full Roster Breakdown (2025 Season)

Position	Starter	2nd String	3rd String/Depth
PG	Ja Morant	Derrick Rose	Jacob Gilyard / Marcus Smart
SG	Desmond Bane	Luke Kennard	Ziaire Williams
SF	Ziaire Williams / GG Jackson	David Roddy	Vince Williams Jr.
PF	Jaren Jackson Jr.	Santi Aldama	Brandon Clarke (inj.)
C	Steven Adams	Xavier Tillman	Bismack Biyombo

This table highlights the balance and structure within the Memphis Grizzlies depth chart, demonstrating how each position is supported by both veterans and promising youth.

Key Strengths of the Memphis Depth Chart

1. Defensive Identity

Led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart
Multiple defenders who can switch and guard multiple positions

2. Backcourt Firepower

Ja Morant and Desmond Bane form one of the league’s top-scoring backcourts
Depth with Kennard, Smart, and Rose

3. Veteran Leadership

Players like Steven Adams, Derrick Rose, and Marcus Smart bring playoff experience and mentorship to younger players

4. Positional Versatility

Many players like Santi Aldama, Roddy, and Ziaire Williams can cover multiple positions
Allows for flexible rotations and injury resilience

Challenges and Concerns

1. Injuries

Clarke’s recovery and Adams’ past injuries could affect frontcourt consistency
Morant’s previous suspensions and health also raise questions

2. Offensive Efficiency

Outside of Morant and Bane, the Grizzlies occasionally struggle with shot creation in half-court sets

3. Youth Development

Players like GG Jackson and Ziaire Williams must step up if the team wants to reach higher playoff tiers

Despite these concerns, the Memphis depth chart remains strong and built for both present success and long-term sustainability.

Impact of the Depth Chart on Team Performance

A well-structured Grizzlies depth chart provides head coach Taylor Jenkins with a variety of options. Whether it’s playing small-ball with Aldama at center or running jumbo lineups with JJJ at the 4 and Tillman at the 5, the roster’s construction supports a range of tactical approaches.

This flexibility has already paid off in playoff runs and will be crucial as Memphis aims for deep postseason contention in 2025.

Trade and Injury Updates

Trade Rumors: Memphis has been linked to trade talks for another wing scorer. If a move is made, it will likely affect the SF or SG slots.
Injury Notes: Clarke remains out but could return later in the season. Adams is expected to start the season healthy.

Staying updated on these changes is essential, especially for fans, fantasy owners, and sports bettors analyzing the Memphis depth chart week by week.

Conclusion

The Memphis Grizzlies depth chart in 2025 showcases a roster built on balance, defense, and youthful energy. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the charge, supported by a strong cast of role players and veterans, Memphis has the tools to compete at the highest level.

From backcourt firepower to frontcourt grit, the grizzlies depth chart provides a clear look into how the team is structured for success. As the season progresses, injuries, trades, and player development will inevitably shift the lineup. But for now, the Memphis depth chart stands as one of the most promising in the league.

FAQs About Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart

Q1: Who is the starting point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025?

A: Ja Morant is the starting point guard, commanding the offense with his explosive play and leadership.

Q2: What role does Jaren Jackson Jr. play in the Memphis depth chart?

A: Jaren Jackson Jr. starts at power forward and is a key defensive anchor and 3-point shooter, often playing center in small-ball lineups.

Q3: Is Desmond Bane a shooting guard or small forward?

A: Desmond Bane primarily plays as the starting shooting guard, though he can also swing to the 3-spot in smaller lineups.

Q4: Who backs up Steven Adams at center?

A: Xavier Tillman is the primary backup, with Bismack Biyombo providing additional depth.

Q5: Are there any major injuries affecting the Grizzlies depth chart?

A: Yes, Brandon Clarke is recovering from an injury, which affects frontcourt depth. Steven Adams’ health is also something to monitor.

Q6: How deep is the Grizzlies bench in 2025?

A: The bench is fairly deep, with solid options like Derrick Rose, Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama, and Xavier Tillman providing consistent contributions.