The Memphis Grizzlies have always been a blue-collar team. A blue-collar player may very well find himself in the starting lineup next season.
In the Memphis Grizzlies’ two summer league games so far, nearly a dozen first-round picks from multiple seasons have competed against each other. The Sacramento Kings alone have seven first round picks on their summer roster.
Undrafted Wayne Selden has been, by far, the best player on the court over that time. In the game against Sacramento, Selden scored 21 on 6-for-13 shooting, and he generally looked like the most complete player. In the game against the Wizards, he scored 28 points and made many difficult shots including this Kobe-esque game winner:
Many people have already begun to wonder if Selden will start next season rather than Ben McLemore.
I'm not the only person thinking that Wayne Selden Jr. just might be the starting shooting guard for the Grizzlies next season, right?
— Ryan Glover (@G_Love24) July 10, 2017
Finally Finding a Hidden Gem?
It’s no secret that the Grizzlies have never made the best decisions when it comes to young talent. Whether it’s never letting young talent develop (*coughs* Troy Williams) or making poor draft decisions (*screams* Thabeet), young guys never seem to thrive in Memphis.
However, the Grizzlies have a real opportunity with Wayne Selden. He has shown the ability to create his own shot and get to the rim with ease. On defense, he has both the strength and lateral quickness to bother the players he guards. He also showed his defensive ability when he guarded Kawhi Leonard last season.
Selden is also a gritty player that the Grizzlies may need now. With the loss of Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, the team could use some of that ole “grit ‘n’ grind.”
Though he’s a skilled player in other areas, Selden brings a tenacity that you simply can’t teach. He’s not afraid to guard the other team’s best player, and he’s not afraid to attack the rim. No team thought that Wayne Selden was worth a draft pick; he’s had to work hard to get the opportunity he has now. He’s a blue-collar player, and he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder. Even in summer league, he’s never giving less than his absolute best effort on the court.
Needless to say, Memphis and Wayne Selden appear to be a match for each other.
Closing Remarks
It’s important to remember that someone being a great player in summer league doesn’t translate to NBA greatness. I’ve literally had trust issues ever since Josh “Showtime” Selby lit the world on fire for a week and then hardly ever played again.
However, Wayne Selden already showed that he can be a solid contributor last season. So far in
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summer league, his game has only appeared to have grown since the playoffs last season.
It remains to be seen whether Ben McLemore or Selden will be the starting shooting guard next season. Regardless of who starts, Wayne Selden will be an important contributor for the Grizzlies next season. His youth and athleticism will help the team on both ends of the court.
The Grizzlies are entering a new chapter in their history. Legends have come and gone, and the time for change has come. However, history always has a tendency to repeat itself. Wayne Selden and Memphis appear to be a great fit for each other. Only time will tell if he can help usher in the next era of “grit ‘n’ grind.”