Memphis Grizzlies Player Evaluation: Nick Calathes

May 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

‘Beale Street Bears’ takes a look at Nick Calathes’ second year in the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies and provides grades for his performance.

The Memphis Grizzlies began the 2014-15 regular season without guard Nick Calathes in their lineup. He wound up playing 58 of 82 games on their schedule.

In those 58 games, he posted solid defensive statistics–2.7 steals per 36 minutes and ranked first in the entire association in defensive rating at 92.2–while contributing just 4.2 points per game. Calathes stepped in as needed late in the season at both guard positions due to injuries occurring left and right to the Memphis Grizzlies’ backcourt guys.

Now, Nick Calathes finds himself in a tough position. He is a free-agent. His spot is most likely going to be taken by youngster Jordan Adams, so what types of offers will he receive from other NBA clubs? It will be a busy offseason for NC to say the least.

May 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) shoots the basketball during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 101-86. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The writers at ‘Beale Street Bears’ have put their thoughts together to assess Nick Calathes’ 2014-15 season, marking two full years of him being in the NBA.

Justin Strawn, Staff Writer

Grade: C+

Assessment: “My initial impression is to give him a C-. He didn’t do much when he played, but the fact that he was able to at least keep the Grizzlies afloat when Conley and Udrih went down during the playoffs was crucial to getting the Grizzlies to the 2nd round. His deficiencies showed up badly though against Golden State. Overall, I’ll say C+.”

Ben Parker, Staff Writer

Grade: B-

Assessment: “Nick Calathes provide sound production at the backup point guard position and is definitely a guy who the Grizzlies should want backing up Mike Conley going forward. His suspension to start the season was unfortunate, but he responded nicely. I give him a B-.”

Christian Dudley, Editor

Grade: C

Assessment: “I probably enjoyed having Nick Calathes on the Grizzlies’ roster more than your average Grizz fan. I think he was great value for being your typical third-option at the point guard position. He provided great defensive statistics even if he was not an elite man-to-man defender. His rookie season started on a shaky foot in 2013-14, where the home crowd even booed him multiple times. It was not pretty at all. However, Nick grew as a player and even won a Rookie of the Month award late last season. Although he missed the first month of games in 2014-15, he still had a solid season in my eyes.

Jan 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Calathes was mainly needed as a defender and playmaker this season. He was not known as a huge scorer and so Grizz Nation should not expect him to light up the scoreboard–that role was meant for Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Courtney Lee, etc. Calathes normally brought the defense and he was able to create a little offense for the reserves. The Memphis Grizzlies’ bench could have used a lot more offensive firepower, though, and that was a major downfall for the team through the season and in the postseason. It remains one of their biggest needs moving forward.

Nick Calathes had one big playoff game this year in which he nailed four three-pointers…while not being a big-time outside shooter. It was a lovely surprise, but he followed that performance by disappearing on the scoreboard in later games. His defense against the Golden State Warriors went the same was as his offense, too. Not good.

Overall, I would grade Nick Calathes’ season with a C. He was a decent player for the Grizzlies, but he was not a game-changer off the bench that they desperately needed–especially when starting point guard Mike Conley went down with a major injury.”

What do you think of our grades and opinions? Let us know what your thoughts! Agree? Disagree??

Continue to check ‘Beale Street Bears‘ for additional player reviews of your favorite Memphis Grizzlies players!

Go Grizz!

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