Memphis Grizzlies Playoff Profiles: Andrew Harrison

As playoff time approaches, our writers have broken down what each player brings to the Memphis Grizzlies. Check out this take of Andrew Harrison

Andrew Harrison has dramatically improved since the start of the season. When Mike Conley is off the floor, it’s crucial that he makes great decisions with the basketball and maintains the flow of the offense.

The Matchup Ahead

When Harrison is on the floor, he’ll more than likely guard veterans Tony Parker or Patty Mills. Tony Parker is by no means the same Tony Parker he was four years ago, but he has a load of playoff experience under his belt. The same goes for Patty Mills.

Patty Mills never stops running on the floor. I’ll repeat this one more time: HE DOES NOT STOP RUNNING. There’s an aspect that gives Andrew Harrison an advantage: size. Harrison is listed at 6’6″ with a stocky build that allows him to bully smaller point guards. This will be key in stopping Patty Mills. Harrison has to stay in front of him and use his size to his advantage. Mills is a guy who can change the game in the blink of an eye, especially in clutch time. If Andrew can limit his ability to find open shots, it will be huge for the Grizzlies.

As said earlier, this isn’t the same Tony Parker in years past. But, Parker has the experience over Harrison.  Once again, Harrison has the size to make things tougher on him. He always needs to limit Parker’s ability to facilitate the basketball and find open looks for his guys.

With Tony Allen out, he could see more time in this series – especially if David Fizdale is looking to play Mike Conley off the ball. If Mike is off the floor, it’s crucial for him to be smart with the basketball. What does that mean? No dumb shots, be a facilitator and find the open man. Also, Harrison is great at driving to the basket and drawing fouls. If Andrew can get to the rack and put some key guys for the Spurs in foul trouble, it’ll open up more opportunities for the Grizzlies’ bigs.

Next: Andrew Harrison Was Grizzlies' Rookie of the Year

Postseason Expectations

Going into the playoffs as a young player should have Andrew Harrison’s juices flowing. As a rookie, it’s tough to predict what we’ll see out of him. Although, in the playoffs, he could be that surprising player that turns up the notch just a bit. It’s tough to say Andrew Harrison will have a dramatic impact on who wins this series, but if he can play well it gives the Memphis Grizzlies an opportunity to try and take this series from the Spurs.