Introduction
As the start of the 2025 NBA season is coming closer, there is one name getting some low-key buzz – Jake LaRavia. The Memphis Grizzlies forward is turning heads with his versatility and hustle and continued growth at both ends of the floor. While there is buzz around the key players of the team like Ja Morant, LaRavia is establishing a role that could be paramount to making him one of the Grizzlies more valuable players this year.
Jake LaRavia represents what we all can draw inspiration from on the basketball court, working hard, being patient, getting better, and working at your craft. In an age of highlight tapes and highlight reels being more of a priority than the fundamentals, LaRavia reminds us that impact in the game isn’t always making the highlight play but that you can have impact in the game and be engaged with hard work and guts certainly does the trick.
So what is next for Jake LaRavia as we inch closer to the 2025 NBA season? Let’s look at his development this year, expectations this year, and his ability to become one of the Memphis’s secret weapons this year.
What Makes Jake LaRavia’s Game Special
LaRavia simply does not have the instincts or ability to be in uplifting plays on the highlight reel. Instead, he is making accepted winning plays based on spacing, awareness, and shooting reliability. Here are a few thoughts on the plays LaRavia makes or does not make:
1. Three-Point Shooting
Spacers are at a premium in the NBA, and LaRavia’s shot fits nicely into the Memphis offensive silo. LaRavia shot almost 38% from three by the end of his 2024 agreement, which is likely to be noticeable to his coaches.
2. Defensive IQ
LaRavia does not have world-class speed, but he reads plays like a player that’s been in the league forever. He can help and scramble rotations on the defensive end, but he can also switch with many guards, which is a crucial part of Taylor Jenkins’ unit.
3. Team-First Mind Frame
While some players can get caught up in their stats, or desire to score, LaRavia is concerned with what the team needs: to space the floor, to chase after a 50/50 ball or to make the pass that leads to an assist.
2025 Season Outlook: Bigger Role, Bigger Expectations
This could be the season that Jake LaRavia locks in his place in the Grizzlies’ rotation. Due to injuries and depth-chart shakeups to the Memphis roster, LaRavia has a strong opportunity to show an increased role is warranted.
If he can continue to improve his perimeter defense and shoot the ball efficiently overall, he could have a realistic chance to average around 10–12 points per game off the bench, which is a substantial increase over seasons past.
Key Areas to Monitor:
- Minutes per game: Expect an uptick as the season continues.
- Consistent shooting: If he can continue to hit open threes, he will remain in the key rotation.
- Chemistry with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane: If he plays alongside stars, it could open up clean looks for him and build his confidence.
How Jake LaRavia Can Take the Next Step
Every NBA athlete faces that singular “make-or-break” year—and it could be 2025 for LaRavia. Here are a few thoughts on how player can enhance their game:
1) Develop Physicality: Strengthening their physicality is pivotal for defending bigger forwards.
2) Stay Aggressive On Offense: Never think twice on taking open looks — confidence will lead to increased scoring.
3) Develop Playmaking: If LaRavia were able to quickly escalate his passing game, he would become more dynamic.
4) Embrace Leadership: Although still young, leading vocally on the defensive end will make him a more recognizable player on the floor.
Expert Insight: What NBA Analysts Are Saying
As reported by several NBA insiders from ESPN and The Athletic, Jake LaRavia stands out among the Grizzlies’ promising young players. Former NBA scout Mike Schmitz referred to LaRavia as “the kind of player who will quietly improve everyone around him.”
That’s a solid compliment in a league where coaches often favor reliability as much as natural talent. If LaRavia can continue to be a consistent player, he could become an eventual long-term rotation player—perhaps even a future starter in Memphis.
Real-Life Example: The Desmond Bane Comparison
LaRavia’s circumstances reflect the same circumstances that Desmond Bane went through while beginning his career. Bane, who was not immediately viewed as a star, showcased his determination as well as consistency in shooting to become one of Memphis’ most valuable players.
If LaRavia follows that same development path, it could lead him to a similar, reliable, efficient, and quiet killer role soon enough.
FAQs About Jake LaRavia and the 2025 NBA Season
Q1: What position does Jake LaRavia play for the Grizzlies?
A1: LaRavia projects to play as either a small forward or power forward, depending on how the team ultimately decides to line up.
Q2: Is Jake LaRavia the starter this season?
A2: No, not at this point, but he is starting to get into the rotation and would possibly get some spot starts pending injuries or a rotation to go along with Memorial Day weekend.
Q3: How has his shot changed?
A3: LaRavia’s 3-point percentage is up from around 34% to around 38%, so LaRavia is a plausible threat from the perimeter.
Q4: What is his biggest strength?
A4: His basketball IQ and understanding of how to fit into those systems, as opposed to trying to push them.
Q5: Can Jake LaRavia become a long-term piece for Memphis?
A5: Undoubtedly, as long as he continues to develop on both ends, I think he would fit in nicely with the Grizzlies’ core.
Conclusion
Jake LaRavia may not be the biggest name in the NBA, but he is quietly developing into one of the better development stories in the league. His development, professionalism, and work ethic are actually what fans love about the game—the pursuit of becoming a better player.
As the 2025 NBA season progresses, it would not be surprising if Jake LaRavia is one of Memphis’s most dependable players. When you have a league full of stars, it is often the steady grinders like LaRavia that make the most difference in important moments.
In short: keep an eye on Jake LaRavia—because this is the season when he might inspire more than just Grizzlies fans.