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5 Things to Learn from the Finals

By Parker Fleming

Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11), forward Zach Randolph (50) and center Marc Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11), forward Zach Randolph (50) and center Marc Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. More 3 Ball

The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers were top-three in both three-point field goals made and attempted. The Memphis Grizzlies are in the bottom-five in both categories and second-to-last in three-point percentage.

Golden State had nine guys who shot 35 percent or better from 3 (min. 50 attempts) this season: Stephen Curry (45.4% on 886 attempts), Klay Thompson (42.5% on 650 attempts), Brandon Rush (41.4% on 157 attempts), Draymond Green (38.8% on 258 attempts), Marreesse Speights (38.7% on 62 attempts), Harrison Barnes (38.3% on 214 attempts), Ian Clark (35.7% on 84 attempts), Leonardo Barbosa (35.5% on 110 attempts) and Andre Iguodala (35.1% on 154 attempts).

Cleveland had seven guys who shot 35 percent or better from 3 (min. 50 attempts) last season: Matthew Dellavedova (41% on 239 attempt), J.R. Smith (40% on 510 attempts), James Jones (39.4% on 104 attempts), Richard Jefferson (38.2% on 173 attempts), Channing Frye (in his time with the Cavs: 37.7% on 114 attempts), Kevin Love (36% on 439 attempts) and Mo Williams (35.3% on 102 attempts).

That list doesn’t include Kyrie Irving, who is a 37.8% 3-point shooter for his career.

The only Memphis Grizzlies player who finished the year on the roster that shot 35 percent or better from 3 (min. 50 attempts) was Mike Conley (36.3% on 215 attempts). The problem with that? He doesn’t play off the ball and he’s an unrestricted free agent.

If the Grizzlies want to succeed both now and going forward, they need to find some 3-point snipers. That could mean either getting Jarrell Martin and JaMychal Green more accustomed to expanding their range or letting Jordan Adams get some run, whenever he’s healthy.

The Grizzlies need to look in the draft (Malachi Richardson, Denzel Valentine, Taurean Prince, Wade Baldwin IV or Malik Beasley) and free agency (Evan Fournier, Harrison Barnes or Nicolas Batum).

With the league realizing that the best teams take and make the 3 ball, the Grizzlies need to find some players that’ll make them pay for leaving them open beyond the arc.

Next: 3. Use Trades and Free Agency Wisely

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