Memphis Grizzlies Playoff Profiles: JaMychal Green

Apr 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) shoots against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) shoots against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare for battle against the Spurs, there’s no player with a tougher task at hand than power forward JaMychal Green.

The Memphis Grizzlies received some tough news yesterday that Tony Allen would likely not be available for the first-round matchup with the Spurs. These circumstances force players like JaMychal Green to rise to the occasion. What must Green do to push the Grizzlies to the second round?

The Matchup Ahead

While Green may find himself matched up with several different players this series, the most important matchup is LaMarcus Aldridge. The five-time All-Star is an absolute nightmare to defend, and he can completely take over a game. JaMychal has to prevent a nuclear explosion from LaMarcus Aldridge if the Memphis Grizzlies want to advance to the second round. Green’s defense has been superb this year, and it’s full anticipated that he will continue his stellar play in the postseason. His excellent post defense is definitely a positive, but he needs to try and guard the perimeter without fouling. Aldridge can hit the long ball, and four-point plays aren’t the Grizzlies’ friend.

While defense is the main force of JaMychal’s game, his offense will be just as important. As the season has winded down, Green has found a rhythm on the offensive end. Maintaining this flow will be key in this series. Green needs to score in double figures just about every game and continue his tenacious rebounding habits. A few double-doubles could go along way in swinging the outcome of the series. This won’t be small feat, but JaMychal has shown the ability to do this all year long.

Post-Season Expectations

It’s easy to call Conley or Gasol the difference makers in this series, but you know what they’re going to give you each game. They show out, get their buckets and play like the stars they are. In many circumstances, these players don’t fully affect the outcome. Guys like JaMychal Green and Troy Daniels help their team win by stepping up and making the right play at the right time.

That’s what Green has to do in order if the Memphis Grizzlies want to shock the league. The Grizz have the tools to do so, but it’s only a matter of executing down the stretch. Anticipate some monster putbacks and unbelievable effort from J-Myke. He has had a breakout season, and he’s about to make the Spurs regret not giving him a roster spot a whole lot more.