Over the next few weeks the Beale Street Bears are going to take a look at each player and discuss their strengths and areas to improve on during the offseason. In this segment, we will discuss the breakout season of JaMychal Green.
A little over two years ago, many Memphis Grizzlies fans couldn’t say they knew JaMychal Green. Fast forward and now he’s the starting power forward for the team with the third-longest active playoff appearance streak.
Green came in and played on two 10-day contracts before signing a deal. J-Myke worked for everything he has gotten, and he has deserved every bit of it. His passion and work ethic defines him, and now he’s about to get paid big time.
The questions for the Grizzlies:
Will a team overpay for the big man and force the Grizz to be stuck in a sticky predicament?
Should the Grizzlies match a generous offer by another team? Is JaMychal really the future at the 4?
Why Green Comes Back
- Defense– JaMychal proved this season that he has the ability to defend not only bigs, but some of the league’s elite wing players. His versatility allows him to hold players like LaMarcus Aldridge in check, and then switch to Kawhi Leonard, if need be. This athleticism at the four is a new luxury for the Grizz, and Green’s defensive play could become even more crucial if Tony Allen doesn’t return.
- Offense– Green’s versatility and athleticism aren’t only good for defense, but it also translates to the other end of the floor. J-Myke led the team in dunks (49). Green also became the 3rd player to tie or lead the team at least four times this season in points, rebounds, steals, blocks and minutes, joining Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Also his ability to knock down the occasional triple adds to his offensive presence.
Why Green Doesn’t Come Back
$$$
– This isn’t a knock on JaMychal, but it’s a downside for the Grizz. Green balled out this past season, and other teams have caught on. There’s a big possibility that Green won’t be in a
More from Grizzlies News
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
Grizz uniform next year, which is heartbreaking for many fans – especially me who has followed him since his Bama days.
From Green himself
This is what JaMychal had to say about possibly leaving Memphis at the exit interviews:
"“I don’t know how it’s going to play out. I do understand we have a logjam. I understand I can possibly be somewhere else next season. At the end of the day, I do want to be here”"
That is a true Memphian. I don’t know what will happen this offseason, but JaMychal Green should be brought back. No matter what happens he will always be Memphis Made.