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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 /
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Mar 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) shoots against Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) in the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) shoots against Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) in the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Where else should the Memphis Grizzlies look

Internal

The Memphis Grizzlies could possibly look at their current roster for their starting shooting guard woes.

Wade Baldwin and Andrew Harrison have struggled in working for the backup point guard solution. They might be better suited to play off Conley to begin before receiving full-time reps as a NBA point guard.

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Troy Daniels, a player signed to be the designated shooter, hasn’t hit a single 3-pointer in a Grizzly uniform. Playing him alongside the starters could break his shooting slump, as defenses won’t pay much attention to him. While he’s a liability on defense, if he could get hot from beyond the arc, his weaknesses on the other end won’t matter.

Training camp hero Troy Williams may be worth the look. He may not be ready for starter’s minutes; however, his athleticism, energy and shooting ability could warrant spot minutes at the shooting guard position.

Trade

Most teams aren’t looking to trade right now. Therefore, this solution won’t take place for another month or two. Two trade pieces to watch are Brandan Wright and JaMychal Green.

If Brandan Wright returns healthy and contributes, he might be worth trading for a combo guard.

JaMychal Green is an interesting case. While he’s been doing well as the starting power forward, is he in their long-term plans? He’s looking at a hefty payday this summer. With Jarell Martin and Deyonta Davis waiting to shine, is Green worth the payday?

If Conley and Parsons are already talking to next year’s free agents, do you really want to pay JaMychal Green north of $10M?

Packaging one of them with Tony Allen or Vince Carter for a guard with lights out shooting ability could raise their ceiling for this season.

Free Agency

There are three solutions in the free agency for the Memphis Grizzlies to explore:

  1. Jarrett Jack. The Atlanta Hawks released Jarrett Jack before the season started. If he could prove that he’s healthy, he could solve the backup shooting woes or play alongside Conley.
  2. Kevin Martin. HOW HAS NO ONE SIGNED THIS MAN? In a league where the 3-point shot is a major key in every team’s offense, how is Kevin Martin still unemployed? He has an absolute cannon from 3. The Memphis Grizzlies could benefit from signing Kevin Martin.
  3. Mario Chalmers. Here’s another veteran point guard who hasn’t been signed because of injury woes. After rupturing his achilles, Mario Chalmers is still without a team. Luckily, his old team is in dire need of a backup point guard. On the other hand, because of his success alongside Mike Conley, he could be the starting shooting guard.

Conclusion

The Memphis Grizzlies must find a winning combination. There are plenty of solutions to explore; however, they might have to make a hard decision in order to reach their full potential.

Next: Is Brandon Knight a potential target for the Grizzlies?

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