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Memphis Grizzlies: The Great Troy Daniels Enigma

By Demarius Davis

Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 114-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 114-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies have a lights-out shooter in Troy Daniels that’s ready to fly and make an impact. However, his defensive struggles halt him.

Troy Daniels has become a fan favorite since arriving in Memphis because of his explosive scoring punch. However, he has been in and out Coach Fizdale’s rotation due to his ineffectiveness on defense. Where does he belong on this team?

Why He Deserves a Spot

Troy is lethal from deep. Point blank period.

His per-36 numbers are absolutely insane, averaging17.2 points and 4.2 3-pointers. Such a pace would give him 344 made 3s for the season. For comparison sake, Steph Curry set the (then) record with 286 threes in 2015, the year he won his first MVP.

For a team consistently in need of shooting, you would think that his flamethrowing abilities would be valued more.

What Hurts Him

There’s a flip side to the coin that is Troy Daniels. He can’t be trusted on defense. His DBPM (Defensive Box Plus/Minus) is at -3.4. His offense is completely overshadowed for a -2.9 overall Box Plus/Minus. Even if we look past his defense, he doesn’t offer anything besides shooting.

He’s not a deft passer. In 57 games played, he’s dished out only 34 assists. In addition, he lacks ideal size as a 6’4 shooting guard. Opposing guards can post him up and beat him to the boards.

Although he can shoot the threads out of the basketball, he simply doesn’t bring much else to the table.

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    • Solution

    I suggest that the Memphis Grizzlies take Tony Allen’s defensive prowess and transfer it to Troy – Space Jam style. Or vice versa, depending on your preference.

    If that doesn’t work, there are more attainable solutions:

    1) Start Troy at the 2 and move Allen to the 3. Tony is undersized for the 3, but he’s a dog on defense. He and Mike Conley provide enough perimeter defense to counter Troy’s ineffectiveness.

    2) Give him a defined role as second-unit gunner. This is pretty much his role already, but consistent minutes would be beneficial for this to be in effect.

    If he can become more consistent and improve his all-around game, Daniels has the potential to be Sixth Man of the Year candidate. It seems impossible to forecast how his career plays out at this point, making him the Memphis Grizzlies’ great enigma.

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