If you’ve been following the NBA lately, you know the Memphis Grizzlies are basically the league’s most chaotic soap opera. One week they look like world-beaters, and the next, half the rotation is in street clothes. Honestly, trying to keep track of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA roster in 2026 is a full-time job.
Between the high-flying highlights and the relentless injury reports, it’s easy to lose sight of who is actually on the floor. Most fans think they know this team—Ja, Jaren, Bane—but the reality of the depth chart right now is a lot more complicated. It’s a mix of massive contracts, "how did he get here?" veterans, and a bunch of rookies trying to prove they belong in the Grit and Grind legacy.
The Core Three and the Massive Salary Gap
Let's talk about the money first. It’s impossible to discuss this roster without mentioning the staggering investment in the "Big Three." Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. aren't just the faces of the franchise; they are the franchise's financial reality.
Ja is currently pulling in roughly $39.4 million for the 2025-26 season. That’s a lot of pressure for a guy who has spent a chunk of January dealing with a right calf contusion. When he’s on, he’s a walking highlight reel, averaging over 20 points and nearly 8 assists. But the best ability is availability, and that's been the Grizzlies' Achilles heel.
Then you have Desmond Bane. People still sleep on him, which is wild. He’s making about $36.7 million this year. He’s evolved from a "3-and-D" specialist into a legitimate primary playmaker when Ja sits. But here's the weird part: some stat sheets have him listed with the Magic in certain trade-simulated databases, yet in reality, he’s the anchor in Memphis. It’s a mess of misinformation out there. He’s the guy who keeps the floor spaced for Jaren Jackson Jr. to operate.
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Speaking of Jaren, he’s the defensive heartbeat. He’s been carrying a massive workload lately, especially with the injuries. He’s averaging about 18.8 points and 1.5 blocks. He’s the only player on this roster who can truly claim to be an elite rim protector and a floor-spacing threat simultaneously.
The Rotation: Who is Actually Playing?
With the starters often sidelined, the rotation has become a revolving door. You’ve probably seen names like Cam Spencer and Cedric Coward popping up in the starting five. It’s not what anyone expected at the start of the season.
- Jock Landale: He’s been the stabilizing force at center with the younger guys out. He’s shooting over 51% from the field and doing the dirty work.
- Santi Aldama: The versatile Spaniard is still here, providing that weird, lanky shooting and rebounding that the Grizzlies love. He’s averaging nearly 7 rebounds a game.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: A veteran addition that most people forgot happened. He brings that championship pedigree, even if his scoring isn't what it used to be.
- Vince Williams Jr.: Still one of the best "finds" by the front office. He’s the glue guy who defends the opponent's best player every night.
The Zach Edey Conundrum
The biggest question mark on the Memphis Grizzlies NBA roster is undoubtedly Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 giant started the season like a house on fire. He was dropping double-doubles and even had a historic 32-point, 15-rebound game back in November. He looked like the steal of the 2024 draft.
Then, the injury bug bit. Hard.
As of mid-January 2026, Edey is out with a stress reaction in his left ankle. The latest update is pretty grim for fans: he’s expected to be out for at least another six weeks. That means we won't see him back until March at the earliest. It’s a massive blow because he provided a physical presence that Jock Landale and Jaren Jackson Jr. just don't have. He was averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds before he went down. Basically, the Grizzlies are playing small-ball by necessity right now.
Surprising Names and 10-Day Contracts
If you feel like you see a new player every game, you’re not wrong. The front office has been aggressive with the 10-day market. We saw Christian Koloko come and go recently. We saw Kobe Bufkin get a look. It’s a "next man up" mentality that feels more like "next man in the building."
The team also has high hopes for GG Jackson, who is still incredibly young. They’ve been shuffling him back and forth to the G League (Memphis Hustle) to keep his rhythm up. He’s the spark plug off the bench, but his consistency is still a work in progress.
Why the Current Roster Struggles
The Grizzlies are currently sitting around 17-22, fighting for a play-in spot. Why? It’s not talent. It’s cohesion. When your Memphis Grizzlies NBA roster changes every three days due to "right calf strains" or "left ankle stress reactions," you can't build chemistry.
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Their point-differential is telling. They score about 114.9 points per game but give up 116.2. They’re a great rebounding team (46.6 RPG), but they turn the ball over too much. Without a healthy Ja Morant or a stable backup like Scotty Pippen Jr. (who is also recovering from toe surgery), the offense often devolves into Jaren Jackson Jr. trying to do everything himself.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re trying to make sense of this team, stop looking at the names on the back of the jerseys and start looking at the injury report two hours before tip-off.
- Watch the Rebound Margin: Even when they lose, Memphis tends to win the glass. If Jock Landale and Santi Aldama are active, they usually cover the rebounding prop bets.
- Fade the Road Games: This specific version of the roster has struggled immensely away from FedExForum.
- Jaren’s Usage: When Ja is out, Jaren’s field goal attempts skyrocket. He’s a lock for 20+ points in those scenarios, even if his efficiency dips.
- Follow the G League Recalls: Keep an eye on GG Jackson’s status. When he’s recalled from the Hustle, it usually means he’s getting 20+ minutes that night.
The 2025-26 Grizzlies are a team in transition, caught between their "Grind City" past and a future that hinges entirely on the health of their young stars. By the time March rolls around and Edey returns, this could be a completely different team. For now, it’s a survival game. Stay updated on the daily transactions, as the bottom five spots on this roster are effectively a revolving door until the trade deadline.