Beno Udrih proving to be the perfect backup point guard

Beno Udrih has solidified the backup point guard role in Memphis

Some were questioning the strength of the Grizzlies’ backcourt going into this season, but that has proven to be a non-issue thus far.  Not even has it not been an issue, it’s actually become a strength.

Veteran backup point guard Beno Udrih has both reinvented himself as a player, while at the same time solidifying the reserve role behind starter Mike Conley.  Udrih is arguably playing the best basketball of his career this year in Memphis.  Sure he’s had better averages over the span of his career, but not in a backup role.

One thing that Udrih has struggled with this season is his three point shooting, where he’s only shot around 19%.  That’s a pretty dismal number, but when you look at everything else that he’s done on the court, it makes it easier to overlook.

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Having a veteran floor general is a huge advantage for a team looking to go deep in the playoffs.  You need to have someone who can successfully run the offense for 48 minutes a game, and between Conley and Udrih, the Grizzlies have that.

To think that Udrih was a waiver-wire pickup, from the Knicks no less, is really a great find for the Grizzlies front office.  Nick Calathes was mostly running backup point last season, and Udrih has ended up being a major upgrade.

That being said, can Udrih sustain this level of play for the entire season?  Well, the fact that he isn’t logging a ton of minutes each game should indicate that he can sustain it–barring injury of course.  Having him do so will be important for the title-contending Grizzlies going forward.

One other thing of note: Beno seems like a very positive guy, which is great for chemistry over the course of the long season.  He is constantly motivating his teammates, and you can always see how upbeat he is via his Twitter. An example from last game:

Overall, Beno Udrih has been a great pickup for the Grizz.  He’s strengthened the team more than anticipated, and will be extremely beneficial as Memphis makes a playoff push.  Beno Udrih has been a great surprise, and we can look forward to more great play from him going forward.