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In terms of pleasant surprises early in the 2026-27 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies may be leading the way.
Coming into the new campaign, the Grizzlies didn't carry very high expectations from most fans and analysts after officially parting ways with the entirety of their last playoff core: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
Flash forward to Saturday, and after beating the Kings, the Grizzlies are the last remaining unbeaten team in the NBA, leading the Western Conference.
Here's a look at four reasons why Memphis is off to an impressive start to 2026-27.
Why the Grizzlies are the last remaining unbeaten team in the NBA
Cam Boozer was as NBA-ready as advertised
Perhaps the sole reason that some were bullish on the Grizzlies' potential this season was their shiny new star, former Duke forward Cam Boozer.
As a prospect, Boozer was considered as NBA-ready as one can get, able to impact games in a multitude of ways on a nightly basis. His inside scoring, rebounding and playmaking from the frontcourt were all expected to immediately translate to the pros.
Through six games, that has been the case — if Boozer hasn't been exceeding expectations. He's averaging 17.3 points, 10.5 rebounds (6th in NBA) and 5.7 assists per game, and although he's been inefficient at times (36.5% from the floor), Boozer has been a dynamic NBA player off the jump.
The 19-year-old put up 27 points against Sacramento on Saturday, leading Memphis to its sixth win — and its best start to a season in over a decade.
GRIZZLIES: MATCH BEST START IN FRANCHISE HISTORY 🚨 🐻 First 6-0 start since 2014-15 🐻 Cam Boozer: 17.7 PPG, 10.5 APG, 5.7 APG 🐻 Ty Jerome: 25.8 PPG (Week 1 POTW) 🐻 MEM's 727 PTS (121.2 PPG) are the most in franchise history (through 6 games) https://t.co/6KQQ0T0PYO
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2026Ty Jerome ... borderline All-Star?
If there's an early leader in the Most Improved Player race, it's the Grizzlies' starting point guard, Ty Jerome.
Throughout his career since going No. 24 in the 2019 NBA Draft, Jerome has blossomed into a rock-solid backup guard who could score and defend bit, becoming a valuable bench piece. In Memphis last season, he found himself with a solid opportunity to prove himself as a starter. Now, he seems to have taken another leap with shots up for grabs.
Through five games, Jerome is averaging 25.8 points (T-10th in NBA), 5.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game, one of the leading scorers of the early season.
TY JEROME HAS BEEN HOOPING. https://t.co/34JgnHJkKr
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) October 26, 2026It's unlikely Jerome will be able to sustain a 25 PPG season over 70-plus games, but at the very least, he's improved as a scorer enough to lead Memphis alongside Boozer. If Jerome can continue to torch defenses, he may even find himself in All-Star consideration come February.
Red-hot offense
Memphis' offense has been terrific through six games. With 727 total points, the Grizzlies have their most through six games in franchise history, and they lead the NBA in points per game (121.2).
Part of that is the rough defenses they've faced, but it's also clear that this team is more of a threat than some may have thought. Tuomas Iisalo's unit has five players averaging double-digit points per game (Boozer, Jerome, Cedric Coward, Isaiah Stewart, Jaylen Wells), and also leads the NBA in bench points per game (49.0).
Stewart has been another pleasant surprise, as the veteran center has fit in well, while Coward has been lights-out from 3-point range.
Memphis' roster has a collection of well-rounded veterans and young players, despite the lack of big names.
Lighter schedule to open season
Admittedly, the Grizzlies also haven't played any real title contenders yet. So far, they've faced the Jazz twice and the Kings twice, also beating the Warriors and Trail Blazers.
Memphis will be getting some tougher tests soon. The team will host the Pacers and Thunder this upcoming week, with games against the Raptors, Nuggets, Wizards and Cavaliers also on the early November schedule.
Chances are, the Grizzlies aren't as elite as their 6-0 record may show, but they are also likely better than many expected. Should Memphis keep its veteran core intact past the trade deadline, it may not be unreasonable for the Grizzlies to contend for a Play-In spot as they continue eyeing the future.
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