There has been plenty of talk about the Memphis Grizzlies needing a veteran backup point guard, when all along their answer has been in one of their rookies.
The Memphis Grizzlies bench is full of youth and intrigue. Aside from Vince Carter and Brandan Wright, every bench player is young and full of upside. Troy Daniels has the potential to display his elite sharpshooting abilities in a more prominent role. James Ennis is looking to build on his stellar late-season surge. With JaMychal Green, Jarell Martin and Deyonta Davis, the Memphis Grizzlies have a plethora of young big men to choose from in picking Zach Randolph’s successor. Then, there’s the point guard situation.
The Incumbent: Wade Baldwin IV
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Wade Baldwin IV out of Vanderbilt with the 17th pick. In his preseason debut, he put on a quality, efficient display.
Wade Baldwin IV tonight:
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) October 4, 2016
25 min
15 pts (5-5 FG, 1-1 3PT)
2 reb
4 ast
4 TO
+12
Granted, it is preseason basketball. It is sloppy, turnover-ladened basketball. One thing that is worth noting is Baldwin’s efficiency. Scoring 15 points on five shots and being a plus-12 on the court is a good sign for the Memphis Grizzlies. If he can continue to play efficient basketball, it’ll be hard to keep him off the court.
The Incumbent II: Andrew Harrison
OMG DJ STEPHENS https://t.co/fdfV8I7bLO
— Alexis Morgan (@alexismorgan) October 4, 2016
Other than the assist on this ESPN top 10 alley-oop dunk, Andrew Harrison was not super impressive.
Andrew Harrison stat-line:
- 11 points, 6 assists, 3-6 from the field (1-2 from 3), 4-6 from the free throw-line and +/- of +9.
While those are decent numbers, he didn’t show why he should be the backup point guard over Baldwin. He still has plenty of chances and having some pro experience in the D-League could help his cause. However, he must prove himself as a rotation-caliber NBA point guard.
Who else could the Memphis Grizzlies sign?
One concern for the Memphis Grizzlies is whether they have enough to compete with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. Some may suggest that a veteran back-up point guard could help solve their issues.
Here’s a list of some of the available veteran point guards that are still free agents:
- Mario Chalmers
- Norris Cole
- Steve Blake
- Kirk Hinrich
Of that list, are there any that could put the Memphis Grizzlies close to the Warriors and Spurs?
Mario Chalmers has the potential to do so; however, he is coming off a ruptured achilles, a tough injury for a small point guard.
After a solid run with the Heat, Norris Cole has not been able to take the next step, averaging 8.8 points and 3.5 assists on 31.7 percent shooting from behind the 3-point arc. He also was well below the player efficiency rating average of 15 at 10.9. While those are quality numbers, is his ineffective numbers worth stunting Baldwin’s development?
Steve Blake and Kirk Heinrich are both respectable veterans but won’t push the needle for any playoff team at this point in their careers.
While finding a veteran point guard has solved the Memphis Grizzlies’ woes before (Udrih and Chalmers), there isn’t anyone who really pushes the needle for this team.
Stick with the young guys
Wade Baldwin and Andrew Harrison will go through growing pains as rookie point guards. For the Memphis Grizzlies, it’s worth it in the long-haul.
More than likely, Fizdale will go with Baldwin as the backup point guard. After his impressive preseason debut, he is worth seasoning.
Heck, rookies can produce on playoff teams. Look at guys like Josh Richardson and Norman Powell. Both players played prominent roles alongside their stars for playoff teams. Couldn’t Baldwin do the same? As a player who can play alongside starter Mike Conley, he will have plenty of opportunity to grow as a NBA point guard.
Let’s hope the Memphis Grizzlies can start seeing “Little Westbrook” flashes frequently this season.