How the Memphis Grizzlies can fix their backup point guard situation
For the past several years, the Memphis Grizzlies have lacked a true backup point guard for star Mike Conley. Do they stay young? Or chase a veteran?
Ever since Mike Conley became a starter, the Memphis Grizzlies haven’t had a solid backup point guard. In the early stages of his career, he had to rely on Kyle Lowry and Marcus Williams. He had to get breaks from guys on the back-end of their careers such as Jason Williams, Gilbert Arenas and Jamaal Tinsley. He had a promising backup in Grievis Vasquez, but the Grizzlies traded him after his rookie year. Then, the Grizzlies had production from steady veterans like Jerryd Bayless, Beno Udrih and Mario Chalmers, but trades, injuries and age limited them from being long-term options.
Now, the Memphis Grizzlies have two young point guards in Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin. Both of them showed promise last season but were mildly inconsistent. When both became unplayable, they had to sign Toney Douglas. YIKES! Eventually, the Grizzlies got tired of Douglas and gave Harrison the keys to the second unit. He showed promise in the playoffs, but they still couldn’t last 10 minutes without their star-caliber point guard.
As the Grizzlies enter the offseason, do they allocate their funds towards a veteran backup point guard? Or, do they trust the process and focus on the development of their young guys?
Signing a Veteran
The Memphis Grizzlies have made it known that they want a steady presence that can give Mike Conley a break. It was obvious when they signed Toney Douglas, and they made it clear at the exit interviews. Who could they realistically with their limited cap space?
Brandon Jennings
The dynamic point guard didn’t really flash much to prove that he’s deserving of a bigger payday. With the Knicks and the Wizards last season, he averaged 7.1 points and 4.9 assists in 22.2 minutes per game. Because of his playmaking and scoring ability, he’d be a perfect fit behind and alongside Conley. The Grizzlies have lacked a dynamic backup point guard since Mario Chalmers left, making Jennings a significant upgrade to their backcourt.
Shaun Livingston
The Golden State Warrior would be a phenomenal addition to this Grizzly team. He has the size to legitimately play next to Mike Conley. His mid-range jumper is straight cash, and his playmaking is superb. Even though he’s not a long-range threat, he’s one of the most efficient scorers at the guard position (54.7 percent). The Warriors will be pressed with money this summer as they have to pay Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala and JaVale McGee. Snatching a key role player like Livingston might help the Grizzlies, at least, stay in the race.
Darren Collison
Collison’s fit in this league is hard to pinpoint. He’s shown that he can be a decent starter, but it might be time for him to be a backup point guard. If his asking price isn’t too high, the Grizzlies should definitely swoop on a deal. Last season, he averaged 13.2 points on 41.7 percent from downtown and 4.6 assists. Because of his scoring, he’d be a huge get for the Grizzlies’ second unit.
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Developing Harrison and Baldwin
If the Grizzlies decide to sign a veteran point guard this summer, they’ll have four point guards on the roster. Is it necessary to have four point guards on a 15-man roster? Should they just let the point guards develop?
Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin both flashed potential in their own right last season. Harrison has the size to bully smaller guards on both ends of the court, but his jumper is still a work in process. Baldwin can be a menace on defense and has shown glimpses of being a solid playmaker, but he played out of control and couldn’t shoot.
At 6’4″ (Baldwin) and 6’6″ (Harrison), both can play alongside Conley, giving the star guard more touches off the ball. However, if they can’t give Conley a 10-15 minute breather each game, they’ll have to chase a veteran point guard.
Next: Wade Baldwin: worth the gamble
Final Verdict
Signing a veteran point guard makes sense but seems silly at the same time. They already have three point guards, and unless one gets the boot, it’s hard to imagine them bringing a fourth guard into the mix.
The Grizzlies could possibly acquire a combo guard that can handle playmaking responsibilities without cutting into the young guys’ playing time. Tyreke Evans and Ian Clark could be potential free agent solutions. Evans isn’t too old and could thrive in a secondary playmaking role for Memphis. Ian Clark is a tricky case, because he still has lots to prove. However, he could potentially be a steal on the market as he never really got big minutes with the Warriors.
Whatever the Grizzlies do, they must focus on the development of Baldwin and Harrison.