Memphis Grizzlies: The shooting guard dilemma

The Memphis Grizzlies’ glaring hole is at backup point guard. However, everyone overlooks the deficiencies at the starting shooting guard spot.

No one should be shocked at the Memphis Grizzlies’ 4-5 start. One of the key components to their offense, Chandler Parsons, just returned from knee surgery. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are getting back into their rhythm after they saw their season end to injury, last year. The Memphis Grizzlies hired a rookie coach who’s looking to re-invent their offense. Their role players are either unproven or new to the team. Basically, I’m just trying to say: GRIZZLIES FANS, DON’T PANIC.

In the midst of this slow start, I’ve noticed that the Memphis Grizzlies have a hole at the starting shooting guard position. Tony Allen has been hurt, thus far; however, when he’s played, it’s been ugly. He’s played in four games, averaging 22 minutes per game, while having an offensive rating of 82. To put into perspective, of all qualified players last year, the lowest offensive rating from a guard was 87.6.

It’s early in the season. The Memphis Grizzlies could go various routes. They could keep starting Tony Allen and hope for improvement. James Ennis and Vince Carter have been bright spots this season. Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin could be better alongside Mike Conley, instead of being a floor general for the second unit. If all else fails, they could acquire a shooting guard through trade or free agency.

Regardless, the Memphis Grizzlies need a solution at the shooting guard position before it’s too late.