A new-look Memphis Grizzlies squad took the floor on Oct. 6 for the preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons.

However, some similar problems showed up. The Grizzlies jumped out to a big lead, only to see the Pistons erase the 21-point deficit in less than a quarter. Memphis also had its share of costly turnovers.

The mistakes added up in a 128-112 preseason loss at FedExForum.

Two new acquisitions were among the Grizzlies’ best players. Ty Jerome led Memphis with 16 points and three assists, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 15 points.

Here are some takeaways from the preseason opener.

No Ja Morant, Javon Small

On media day, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman highlighted the team’s backcourt depth. Two of the players he mentioned were not available for the preseason opener. Ja Morant (left ankle sprain) and Javon Small (personal reasons) did not play against the Pistons.

Jerome started in place of Morant alongside Jaylen Wells, Caldwell-Pope, Santi Aldama and Jock Landale. Jerome and backup guard Scotty Pippen Jr. spent most of the time as primary playmakers, but the Grizzlies used ball movement to set up their offensive looks.

Jerome looked comfortable pacing the offense and showing off his defensive playmaking.

Coming out hot

The first quarter of Grizzlies basketball was impressive. They pressured Detroit relentlessly with swarming perimeter defense, and they made eight consecutive 3-point attempts to start the game.

That performance did not translate to the second quarter. Memphis went from allowing 24 points in the first to giving up 50 in the second. That was a similar issue with the Grizzlies last season.

First look at Cedric Coward

Rookie first-round pick Cedric Coward got his first game action since November 2024 at the collegiate level. The speed of the game appeared to be a factor. While Coward made quick decisions, he didn’t get easy offensive looks.

Of Coward’s first four shot attempts, one was easily blocked on an attempted drive to the basket, and another was an airballed 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down.

Coward’s defensive potential was evident, however, when he was isolating against Pistons players. He was also one of several wings who picked the Pistons up full court.

Coward finished with one point and five rebounds, and missed all seven of his field goal attempts.

What’s next

The Grizzlies will return to action on Oct. 8 against the Boston Celtics at FedExForum (7 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network). This will be the second of five Grizzlies preseason games.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.