For the first time in awhile, the Memphis Grizzlies aren’t set at every starting position. What positions are up for grabs? Who can take those spots?
This season’s training camp should have more battles for starting roles than any in a long time. With a large roster, the Memphis Grizzlies have some hard cuts to make. The only players currently under contract with a guaranteed starting spot are point guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol. Chandler Parsons is a near certainty to start at small forward — assuming he’s fully recovered from his season-ending surgery last March.
Without Tony Allen and Zach Randolph (and currently JaMychal Green), some starting positions are wide open. Who can take some of these spots? Will they be enough for the Memphis Grizzlies to continue their playoff run?
Starting spots
The shooting guard position is wide open right now since Ben McLemore broke his foot. Wayne Selden, Troy Daniels, Tyreke Evans and rookie Dillon Brooks are expected to all compete for playing time. With McLemore’s injury, strong play from any of these four can help one of them take the starting position. If all four play exceptional, McLemore may struggle to find playing time once he returns.
The power forward spot is currently wide open as JaMychal Green and the Grizzlies attempt to sign a long-term deal. There’s no guarantee he will return with the team already saddled with 15 players under contract. If he doesn’t return, everything becomes wide open.
While the Grizzlies could have a battle between Deyonta Davis, Brandan Wright and Jarell Martin for the starting power forward position, coach Fizdale may decide to go small as well. 6’10” Chandler Parsons, 6’7″ James Ennis and 6’9″ Rade Zagorac are legitimate 3-point threats who could open more space for Conley and Gasol to operate inside.
Backup/Roster spots
There aren’t a lot of roster spots available right now. The NBA only allows a team to carry 15 players on their final roster. Right now, the Memphis Grizzlies have 18 roster spots filled right now and has two remaining. Mario Chalmers and Jeremy Morgan signed to partially-guaranteed deals this summer. One of the Grizzlies’ draft picks this summer, Ivan Rabb, and power forward JaMychal Green are still unsigned.
Point guard Kobi Simmons has signed a two-way contract, which limits the number of games he can play for the Grizzlies this season. On the bright side, his contract won’t count against the 15-player limit. In addition, the Memphis Grizzlies have one remaining two-way contract to use.
If Green does re-sign or accept the Grizzlies’ qualifying offer, either Brandon Wright or Jarell Martin could find themselves in danger of being left off the team. A trade or outright release could be in store for either player.
Returning second-year point guards Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin will battle returning Mario Chalmers for playing time and possibly a roster spot. Chalmers is attempting to return to the NBA after an 18-month layoff following surgery on his achilles tendon. Chalmers will be 31 years old this coming season, and the Grizzlies could go young this season — if Harrison or Baldwin play well. If Chalmers wins the backup point guard role, Wade Baldwin could be released. That would be a shocking outcome for the 2016 first-round draft pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies have a handful of decisions looming. What should the Grizzlies do to trim the roster?