The Memphis Grizzlies needed a shooting guard of the future, and they snagged a potential one in Ben McLemore. What do our writers think?
With Tony Allen and Zach Randolph entering the free agency, the Memphis Grizzlies had two choices: stay the course or build the future. Obviously, we know they chose to look towards the future. They traded for two picks in this year’s deep draft. Their roster has a plethora of young guys already, and they added to it by signing the 24-year old Ben McLemore.
The seventh pick in the 2013 draft hasn’t lived up to the hype, but who can blame him? He’s had four different coaches in four years, including the “Potential Killer” Dave Joerger. The “leader” in the locker was the NBA’s resident hothead DeMarcus Cousins. He also fell under the “Sacramento Kings Lottery Curse” that started with Jimmer Fredette.
He still has the potential to be an above-average player in this league – maybe even a starter. A change of scenery could benefit his development. What do the writers at Beale Street Bears think though?
As we grade the Grizzlies’ offseason moves, Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA), Jake Finnen (@HalfCourtJester), Nathan Chester (@BigNateChester) and Ryan Patterson (@_ryanjp) give their thoughts on the Ben McLemore signing.
Grade: B+
One of the major complaints about this move was that it prevented the Grizzlies from making really any other major signings. However, the minimum Tyreke Evans contract took away most of the sting. McLemore is still a young player who may very well thrive in Fizdale’s offense. All in all, this was a good deal for the Grizzlies. — Nathan Chester
Grade: B
The Memphis Grizzlies were hard-pressed with money because of Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons’ contracts. Nabbing talent was always going to be hard. Signing a low-value, high-reward player in Ben McLemore was a nice move from the front office. The former lottery pick is only 24 years old and was in a toxic situation in Sacramento. Maybe, Dave Fizdale can do wonders for the once promising prospect. — Parker Fleming
Grade: C-
I’ve been a McLemore fan since the Kings snagged him on draft night a few years back, but he was never able to fully develop and thrive in Sacramento. WIth a little TLF (tender love and Fizdale), I think he can be an explosive asset on both ends of the court this season. — Ryan Patterson
Grade: D
This is the result of poor money management. — Jake Finnen
Next: TwitterReaction to signing McLemore
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