3 Most Important Grizzlies Players for a Surprise 2026-27 Playoff Run

The Memphis Grizzlies aren't expected to make the 2026-27 NBA playoffs, but pundits can't quite rule it out either. If they do make a playoff run, there are three players who will be most pivotal to their success.

Granted, that's an oversimplification. It will take a group effort for Memphis to make the playoffs. Still, like any team, there is a hierarchy.

This is not a ranking of long-term importance. This is about who can lead a playoff charge in 2026-27. The Grizzlies will need all hands on deck.

But these three players will matter more than anyone else.

Spoiler alert: Zach Edey is not on this list.

He'd be the first honorable mention. A full season of health from Edey could go a long way for the Grizzlies, but if he can't stay on the floor, Isaiah Stewart is one of the best backups in the NBA.

By contrast, the Grizzlies' wing rotation is mostly young. The veteran Grant could be a stabilizing force. If he begins to suffer age-related decline, the Grizzlies can kiss their playoff chances goodbye.

Memphis reportedly has no plans to trade Grant this season , which gives him a chance to play an important role for this young group.

In the meantime, there's another player whose health they should cross their fingers for.

If you're a regular Roundtable reader, you've heard this before: Ty Jerome was excellent in the mere 15 games he suited up for in 2025-26.

If the Grizzlies are going to make a postseason run this year, he'll need to play at least 40 more games than that.

We've also named Jerome as a trade candidate in these pages . That remains the most likely option if he's healthy heading into the deadline. Again, the Grizzlies are not projected as a playoff team.

Still, it's reasonable to say that if they are on track for the postseason, Jerome will inevitably be a significant reason why.

Is this a lot of weight to put on a rookie's shoulders? You bet.

The Grizzlies will rely on Boozer as a primary creator in 2026-27. That's not due to their playoff aspirations — it's a long-term strategy. The Grizzlies will want to get Boozer as many on-ball reps as they can, as quickly as possible.

The No. 3 overall pick will inevitably struggle. Almost every NBA rookie does. The question is whether he can perform better than the average rookie.

Boozer looks NBA-ready, and if that comes to fruition, this team could have enough talent around him to maximize his abilities and make a playoff run.