The halfway point of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2023-24 season looks much different than many people could have imagined.

Memphis (15-26) has trotted out 23 starting lineups in its first 41 games, which is the second-most in the NBA. Preseason projected starters Ja Morant and Steven Adams are injured and out for the season, while two other starters — Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart — also are injured and out for at least the next five weeks.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 36 points in the Grizzlies' 118-103 loss Thursday night to the Minnesota Timberwolves, is carrying a large load in the absence of much of the team’s star power.

The outlook on what this season can be has changed, but they can still learn a lot about the future of the team and organization going forward.

Here are some takeaways from the first half of the Grizzlies' 2023-24 schedule.

Small sample size, strong results

It was only a tease, but the Grizzlies looked like the team many expected them to be during the nine-game stretch when Ja Morant played, after he returned from his 25-game suspension and before he had season-ending surgery. Memphis went 6-3 in those games, with wins over multiple playoff contenders.

Smart quieted concerns about his ability to guard bigger wings, and Bane’s playmaking growth took pressure off of Smart and Morant. That group won’t take the floor again this season, but the flash results suggest brighter days are ahead.

Vince Williams Jr. rises above the pack

Vince Williams Jr. was the least talked about player from the Grizzlies’ 2022 draft class after being a second-round selection from VCU. Fast forward to today, he is in the starting lineup and has separated himself from the team's other 2022 draft picks. Williams’ defense has given Memphis a much-needed plus wing defender. He also has made 34.8% of his 3-point attempts while flashing playmaking skills since the Grizzlies’ main playmakers have been injured.

Obscurity in youth

Outside of Williams, the picture on the Grizzlies' youth is still unclear. David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama haven’t elevated themselves to being unquestionable future members of the core. Each has gotten substantial opportunity this season and will get more as the season unfolds. Memphis will need answers as it goes into a crucial 2024-25 season.

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Veterans Derrick Rose and Marcus Smart fulfilling roles

A lot of talk last season was centered on the Grizzlies' need for veterans. They went out and added Smart and Derrick Rose. Both have spent a large part of the season injured, but they also have made an impact with their leadership.

Rose has been as vocal as at any point of his career. Ziaire Williams and Morant have spoken about how he has affected them. Smart has made it a mission to be as honest as possible with his teammates in order to yield the best team results, and he has done just that. Whether it's getting on them for mistakes or patting them on the back after big plays, Smart has quickly earned the respect and ears of the Grizzlies.

Past offensive issues remain

This was supposed to be the season where the Grizzlies elevated their offense, but many of the same issues haunt them. They are ranked 29th in the NBA in offensive rating, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. All of the injuries have limited the upside of what the offense can be, but the results from the younger players who were expected to boost the team's shooting haven't been strong.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Five takeaways through the first half of the Memphis Grizzlies season