The Memphis rookie, like Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke, went from zero-star recruit to first-round pick and ready to prove he belongs. 

Coach Taylor Jenkins is “ready to go” and Ja Morant is enthusiastic about what Desmond Bane will provide with his 3-point shooting. 

De’Anthony Melton said his first purchase after signing was cars for his sisters and mother. 

Memphis will play five nationally televised games. The Grizzlies open at home on Wednesday, Dec. 23 against the San Antonio Spurs. The world champion Lakers will visit Jan. 3 and 5.

Prior to the NBA’s schedule release, Daily Memphian Grizzlies beat writer Drew Hill and columnist Chris Herrington break down the plan to replace Jaren Jackson Jr. in the starting lineup and where the youngest team in the NBA will need to improve if they want to make a run to the playoffs.

Here are some scenarios as the Grizzlies await his return.

Players describe the specific areas they worked on during a truncated NBA offseason.

Morant acknowledged he did not wear a mask the entire time at the All Black Affair, which drew hundreds of attendees.

Ja Morant has seen the preseason predictions, which only reinforce his goal: “Proving everyone wrong.”

No courtside seats will be available for Tigers games this season. The Grizzlies are still determining seating configurations. 

But there are other issues to confront, among them safety during a pandemic, and an uncomfortably close tax line.

There are reasons why Desmond Bane is wearing No. 22 and Xavier Tillman Sr. in going with No. 2.

The Grizzlies will play Minnesota and Atlanta twice. The regular-season schedule will not come out until mid-December.

Tyus Jones would be all right if the Grizzlies cut their uniform choices to three. 

From the return of Grizzlies television voice Pete Pranica to a successful waiver request, Memphis sports fans have plenty to be grateful for.

When the No. 30 draft choice put pen to paper on his rookie contract, he was already wearing a custom “Memphis 901” hat. 

The additional design gives the team five uniforms to feature this season.

One of the differences between the prior front office and the one now led by Kleiman: Putting more stock in production, less on tools.

The move means the Grizzlies will need to waive or trade a player to make room on the roster. Memphis signed De’Anthony Melton and John Konchar to four-year deals on Saturday.

With all 15 roster spots filled on guaranteed deals, the team would have to trade or waive if it wants to add a player.

The Grizzlies rookie is ready to add offensive versatility to his game. 

The point guard went to the Memphis Zoo, met his namesake, held a snake and got his first assist with a tiger. 

The Grizzlies have decisions to make during free agency now that the roster is starting to get much more crowded.