After a quiet weekend, the Memphis Grizzlies broke through the silence and signed young swingman Ben McLemore to a multi-year deal. What does this mean for the team going forward?
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the middle of a talent-shift out West. Paul George is now Russell Westbrook’s sidekick. Jimmy Butler is in Minnesota, leading the young Wolves and helping them realize their scary potential. Chris Paul landed in Houston to help the Rockets take off into the league’s elite. Denver is looking to end its playoff draught by signing Paul Millsap. And, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Ben McLemore.
It’s not the move that launches the Grizzlies back into top-four contention, but it’s a sneaky low-risk, high-reward signing that they needed to take.
McLemore, the seventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft, has averaged 9.4 points on 35.2 percent shooting from downtown for his career. He hasn’t lived up to his potential, as he’s fallen under the “Sacramento Shooting Guard Curse” that devoured Jimmer Fredette and Nik Stauskas. In addition, he’s been in a toxic situation with four coaches in four years and a disgruntled, hot-head superstar.
Now, in Memphis, he enters a fresh scenery with a bright, young coach and a strong locker room. Could this be a steal of a move for the Grizzlies? Can McLemore live up to his potential in Memphis? What does this mean for Tony Allen and Vince Carter?
Twitter Reaction
Grizzly Twitter has been wishy-washy on the Ben McLemore signing:
Ben McLemore will be a stud with the Grizzlies. Mark it down.
— L. Jason Smith (@JasonSmith929) July 3, 2017
Exactly. This is going to cost us Rudy Gay. https://t.co/YqV2rltZVP
— Desmond Bane & Chiad (@BallFromGrace) July 3, 2017
Clearly I'm not nearly as high on Ben McLemore as the rest of y'all seem to be.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) July 3, 2017
I suspect the McLemore and Selden signings may mean the end for TA. Still have Daniels, and Harrison or Conley playing off the ball.
— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) July 3, 2017
Final Grade: B
If Ben McLemore blossoms under Fizdale, this move is a home run. In fact, if he breaks out, the Grizzlies have their shooting guard of the future. In the past, they would try to push the needle by signing older guys like Matt Barnes, Mike Miller or Vince Carter. Now, it’s nice to see them target younger players (see: Parsons and McLemore) in efforts to stay relevant in this Western Conference playoff picture.
Now, Ben McLemore doesn’t make this team a surefire playoff contender. With the rapidly-improving Western Conference, the Grizzlies need to be on their A-game just to make the playoffs. Mike Conley has to play like a legitimate superstar. Chandler Parsons has to show up and prove his worth. Marc Gasol needs to be “Aggressive Marc” 82 games a year. All that is required just to make the playoffs. However, a boost from guys like Ben McLemore and James Ennis would help their playoff chances immensely.
If McLemore doesn’t pan out, this move is in the “D-F” range. They didn’t pay a hefty price to sign him, but the opportunity cost might outweigh the contract itself. Because they signed McLemore and Wayne Selden, either Vince Carter or Tony Allen will be leaving. If TA doesn’t return, the city of Memphis will be in shambles. As he would be replacing a franchise icon, the pressure for McLemore to succeed will be insanely high and unfair.
Next: Grizz sign Wayne Selden to multi-year deal
Closing Remarks
All in all, Chris Wallace made the right move by signing Ben McLemore. He’s proven to be an above-average 3-point shooter and has the athleticism to be more than just a specialist. In addition, he’s shown that he’s an underrated defender.
As the Memphis Grizzlies move towards a modern brand of basketball, acquiring an athletic 3-and-D wing like McLemore surely helps. With him, the Grizzlies will have more space for guys like Conley and Gasol to operate in the open floor.
Hopefully, Ben McLemore shows why he was a top-10 draft pick and taps into his potential in Memphis.