Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies: The shooting guard dilemma

By Parker Fleming

Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) sits on the bench during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) sits on the bench during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Nov 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) handles the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) handles the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Vince Carter

Why the Memphis Grizzlies should start him

Vince Carter has helped Zach Randolph muscle the load off the bench. The near 40-year-old isn’t done, yet. He has dropped 15+ points in three games and has played hard-nosed defense on Andrew Wiggins and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Fizdale has placed Vince Carter in crunch-time situations. If the Memphis Grizzlies elect to go with James Ennis off the bench, they should look at starting VC at shooting guard.

His smart play could cure these slow starts. Furthermore, Carter as a fifth option in the offense could give a kick to the Grizzlies’ offense.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies shouldn’t start him

He’s ancient in NBA years. It may seem like he’s defying Father Time right now, but do you really want him facing younger, more explosive guards every night?

While he’s shown that he’s defensively capable, he’s nowhere near the defensive level of Tony Allen.

Vince Carter’s role as the “on-the-court coach” is best served off the bench.

Home/Grizzlies News