Memphis Grizzlies 2016-17 Final Review: Deyonta Davis

As we continue our season review of each player for the Memphis Grizzlies, let’s take a look at rookie big man Deyonta Davis. Is he the future of this team?

Deyonta Davis has all the tools many teams would love out of a center. He’s an athletic, long big man who could protect the rim on one end and finish in the paint on the other. However, that wasn’t on display, because the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t give him much time.

The rookie out of Michigan State was behind a group of solid veterans. There’s no way around All-NBA center Marc Gasol. The versatile JaMychal Green was a major key in unlocking “Fizdale ball.” The only way Deyonta Davis would be ahead of Zach Randolph is if the veteran was either hurt or traded. Then, they had Brandan Wright, a big man with a similar skill-set but with more seasoning.

Davis didn’t get much playing time this season, but he flashed many skills that could make him the future of the Grizzlies.

Offense

On the offensive end, Deyonta Davis is still quite limited.

His mid-range jumper isn’t the most reliable. Then, he doesn’t an outside shot – something that’s become prevalent in today’s NBA.

Davis doesn’t have a wide array of moves, but he’s shown flashes of becoming a terrific post player.

On the bright-side, Davis’ finishing abilities are promising. He has the tools to be elite finisher in the paint. If he could develop his pick-and-roll game, he will become even more of a threat in the restricted area.

Offensive Grade: C+

Defense

There’s nothing more promising than Deyonta Davis’ potential on the defensive end of the court.

He has the athleticism and mobility to switch off the pick-and-roll and get some steals.

The most tantalizing part of his defensive game is his rim protecting.

Even as a rookie, he showed that he was far more advanced on that end than his peers. He was able to alter shots without fouling – something where plenty of young big men struggle.

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When shooting from six feet or less, opponents only shot 38.5 percent against Davis. To put that in perspective, Joel Embiid (43.9 percent), Draymond Green (48.5) and Rudy Gobert (49.2) allowed a higher field goal percentage.

It’s a very small sample size, however, you can’t deny Davis’ defensive potential.

Defensive Grade: A-

Final Grade: B

Giving this final grade of his season as a whole is challenge because of his limited minutes. So, this grade is based off the potential he flashed.

While his offensive game is a work-in-progress, his defensive ceiling is the roof. In saying this, a reliable offensive game could be the difference between becoming another Tristian Thompson and becoming another Serge Ibaka.

The Memphis Grizzlies have needed a young, athletic big man like him for quite some time. After messing up with promising prospects like Hassan Whiteside, they can’t afford to mess this one up.

Oh, one more thing:

If Deyonta Davis can keep soaking in wisdom from Marc Gasol, then we know who will replace the three-time All-Star.