Memphis Grizzlies’ youngsters show promise in Summer League

The Memphis Grizzlies may lack big-name prospects, but they proved their NBA worth in the Summer League.

This year’s Summer League has been something special. In a historically great draft class, we’re getting to witness the potential of these young players. Dennis Smith Jr. looks like the real deal with his exceptional athleticism, explosion and scoring. Lonzo Ball is already a top-10 passer in the league. Guys like Markelle Fultz and Jayson Tatum have lived up to the hype, flashing the potential to be elite scorers in this league. Late-lottery picks like Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo didn’t disappoint as well.

However, something worth taking note of is the Memphis Grizzlies’ surprising performance in this year’s Summer League. Over the past few years, they haven’t been fortunate enough to land a big-time prospect. Therefore, Summer League success shouldn’t be likely. In fact, they entered the Summer League with 50-1 odds of winning the whole thing.

And, what do they do? Make it all the way to the semifinals.

In this unlikely 5-1 Summer League run, who showed promise? Who struggled? Could any of these players crack the everyday rotation for the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Struggle

There weren’t any players who struggled mightily, but they definitely have plenty of work to do before cracking an NBA rotation.

Wade Baldwin and Deyonta Davis showed glimpses of NBA readiness but not as often as needed. Baldwin still lacked proper decision-making at times but also flashed some poise and composure. His offensive game has ways to go, but his passing and his ability to get to the rim are promising. If he can start converting on those close opportunities, he’ll find a spot in the Grizzlies’ rotation.

Davis flashed two-way potential, but he seems lost out there at times. When lost, he lacks a motor and a true feel of the game. He showed a smooth offensive game and was a tantalizing presence at the rim. However, he needs to know what’s going on before receiving ‘big boy’ minutes.

For a third-year player, Jarell Martin didn’t dominate as expected. He wasn’t assertive scoring the basketball. His defense was subpar as he accumulated quite a bit of fouls. And, he wasn’t a force on the glass. With Zach Randolph’s departure and JaMychal Green’s impending free agency, now was the opportunity for Martin to claim a permanent spot in the rotation. And honestly, he squandered it.

The struggle was more evident for Rade Zagorac, but it shouldn’t be surprising. This is no knock on his game by any means. The NBA game is a lot faster and different than Europe, so obviously there was some adjusting for Zagorac. Despite this, he proved that he could do things other than score. He can rebound the ball fairly well, make the right pass without forcing anything and generate some steals. Once he catches up to the speed of the NBA game, he’ll show vast improvement.

FUTURE!

If there are any players to be excited about, they’re Dillon Brooks and Wayne Selden. Both players showed excellent and flat balled out.

Brooks only torched nets in two games these past few weeks, but even when his shot wasn’t falling, he found a way to make an impact on the game. He always made the right pass. He got in the passing lines to ignite an easy fast break. More importantly, he didn’t really make any plays that had you think: what are you doing? Dillon Brooks is a high-IQ player who can make an impact on the game in a variety of ways. It won’t surprise me if he finds a spot into the rotation next season.

There wasn’t anyone on this roster more impressive than Wayne Selden. Wow, he was outstanding. Despite going undrafted last season, he went out and played like he was the best

More from Beale Street Bears

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

player on the floor in every game. He scored in a variety of ways: from downtown, from mid-range, at the rim and at the line. In addition, he flashed the 3-and-D potential that scouts, front offices and coaches salivate over.

This summer, Selden showed why he deserves a permanent spot in Fizdale’s rotation. Make it happen, Fizz.

Closing Remarks

With eight players under 23 on the roster, the future is now for the Grizzlies. It was promising to see the team put on a stellar Summer League performance. Now, it’s time to see if that could translate to the ‘Big Leagues’ and help the Grizzlies extend their playoff run to eight years.