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Memphis Grizzlies Free Agent Targets: Brandon Jennings

By Parker Fleming

Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies need either significant development from their young point guards or a veteran upgrade. Could Brandon Jennings be the perfect fit?

The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t get the production expected from first-round draft pick Wade Baldwin. In addition, fellow rookie point guard Andrew Harrison performed well in the playoffs but was insanely inconsistent all season long. The Grizzlies tried bringing in Toney Douglas, a veteran backup point guard, to weather the storm when starter Mike Conley comes out of the game. However, Douglas wasn’t any better than Harrison or Baldwin.

If the Grizzlies decide to add a fourth point guard this offseason, they need someone who’s actually an upgrade over Baldwin and Harrison. Getting a so-so veteran point guard hurts their development too much.

One intriguing name on the free agent market is Brandon Jennings. The 6’1″point guard could be a great backup for Conley as he has the firepower to sustain or extend a lead and the experience to start if their star guard can’t play.

How he fits

If Brandon Jennings ends up in Memphis, he could perfectly fulfill the “Mario Chalmers” role, as he can play extended minutes both beside and alongside Mike Conley.

Jennings has been a dynamic scorer for his entire career (14.3 points per game), but his playmaking abilities go unnoticed. Ever since an achilles tear in 2015, his scoring numbers have gone down, but his assist numbers have risen. Since the injury, he’s averaged 7.6 assists per 36 minutes.

That kind of playmaking is crucial for the Grizzlies. Last season, Conley and Gasol were the only ones who could create both for themselves and others. They need more playmakers, especially out of the backcourt. A guy like Brandon Jennings could create for others and unlock a faster offense in the second unit.

Jennings obviously fits the Grizzlies, because he embodies that “grit and grind” mantra.

With Tony Allen and Zach Randolph entering the free agency, they need a veteran that can give the Grizzlies some edge and swagger. Jennings has shown that he delivers a certain edge on the court, and it drives opponents crazy. He also plays with a certain flair and swagger that the Grizzlies desperately need. Other than Lance Stephenson, they haven’t had anyone that plays with Rucker-type of showtime flair, something essentially out of a bench unit. In order for the Grizzlies to gain momentum with the second unit, they need Brandon Jennings.

Closing Remarks

Obviously, developing the young guys is important, and the only way that’s accomplished is by playing them. However, if they can get a guy like Jennings, the Grizzlies have to take advantage of the opportunity.

Next: How the Grizz can fix backup PG situation

With his playmaking and scoring abilities, he’d fit perfectly behind and alongside Mike Conley.

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