Should the Memphis Grizzlies Stand Pat at Trade Deadline?
Dec 28, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Tayshaun Prince (21) , shooting guard Nick Calathes (12) and power forward Jon Leuer (30) on the bench against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat the Denver Nuggets 120-99. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA Trade Deadline looming, Grizz Nation is wondering if any moves will be made by the Memphis Grizzlies–or if they will ride with the 15 men on their roster.
There are not many players Memphis would even slightly be enticed to move this season. Their squad is wrecking teams–top teams–left and right.
One improvement, though? Their bench.
Kosta Koufos has increased his production–especially in regard to grabbing boards–during the past couple of weeks leading into the NBA All-Star break. During the span, the pressure has been put onto Jon Leuer. Some pressure was probably already on point guard Nick Calathes–a solid backup point guard that had his season end soon last season and begin late this season due to a league suspension.
Leuer and Calathes are in a tight position. They are not at the untouchable level–yet they are productive players–but they are eating up some development minutes that could be utilized by playing the Grizzlies’ three rookies–Jordan Adams, Jarnell Stokes, and Russ Smith.
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Memphis really needs to weight their options and take opportunity costs into consideration. The opportunity costs?
The Memphis Grizzlies could always add some shooting ability, but this year, perhaps another frontcourt man to bolster the bench would be useful.
Utah Jazz big man Enes Kanter has voiced his displeasure with his playing time and has asked for a trade. The Sacramento Kings’ power forward/center Jason Thompson has also asked for a change of scenery.
Could the Grizzlies call either team to talk trade? It is rather unlikely, due to high asking prices and the contracts being too hefty.
The Grizz have their eyes on the prize–the Larry O’Brien trophy. With rival teams adding pieces, just as Memphis added Jeff Green, is the current roster enough? Would the Grizzlies’ rookies be ready to contribute when games matter the most? Or should they seek help via trade to snag a final piece to push them over the top?
It may be best for the Grizzlies to hold onto their current roster–a league maximum of 15 players, including second 10-day contract signee JaMychal Green. If the Grizz stand pat, it is very likely that they wind up signing JaMychal for the remainder of the season. He is a young forward that he has produced exceptionally well in the NBDL and in the minutes that he has already received with Memphis.
Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) talks to guards Vince Carter (15) and Mike Conley (11) as center Kosta Koufos (41) looks on in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies’ core is built upon continuity, chemistry, and familiarity. Any moves, even minor changes to the list of reserves, could derail the grindin’ Grizz. That is truly a risk not worthwhile, being as this might be the best roster the team has formed. Their best chance to win their first Championship is now.
However, a deal could still be struck with a different team by Thursday afternoon–if Memphis’ Front Office decides to make some phone calls.
The clock is ticking. The countdown is on.
Grizz fans, keep checking BealeStreetBears.com for any NBA Trade Deadline news involving your Memphis Grizzlies.
Go Grizz!
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