The Memphis Grizzlies are entering training camp easily hitting their desired number of 20 camp participants. Who becomes expendable?
Like most NBA teams the Memphis Grizzlies like having 20 players in camp so that drills and scrimmages can run more easily. There’s nothing unusual about bringing in players on non-guaranteed contracts to fill out the camp roster.
Traditionally, a team will bring 4-5 players in for training camp. As the season nears, they weed out some players until the roster reaches 15.
The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t inviting 4-5 players to training camp this season.
The reason why is pretty clear. The Grizzlies already have 16 players under contract. Mario Chalmers is signed to a partially guaranteed contract. Restricted free agent JaMychal Green is unsigned but holding a qualifying offer from the team. There are rumors that Green and his agent are in negotiation with the Grizzlies for a more permanent deal as well.
Now math wasn’t my major in college, but the way I count that makes 17 guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts on the roster.
This isn’t counting Kobi Simmons, who the Grizzlies signed to a two-way contract this summer.
Somebody has to go.
Actually more than one person has to go. Chris Wallace has to get down to 15 players, and that’s going to be hard enough.
So who is on the roster now? What positions do they play? What are their contract situations?
With Coach Fizdale’s propensity for interchangeable players, we will break the positions down as Point Guards, Wings and Bigs.
Positions
Point Guards:
Mike Conley – four years remaining on his contract
Andrew Harrison – two years remaining (team option on the second season)
Wade Baldwin – four years remaining (team options in year 2, 3 and 4)
Mario Chalmers – one-year partially guaranteed
Wings:
Chandler Parsons – three years remaining (player option in year 3)
Wayne Selden – two years remaining
Ben McLemore – two years remaining
James Ennis – one year remaining
Tyreke Evans – one year contract
Rade Zagorac – three-year contract (year 3 team option)
Dillon Brooks – three-year contract (year 3 team option)
Bigs:
Marc Gasol – three years remaining (player option year 3)
Brandan Wright – one year remaining
Jarell Martin – two years remaining (team option year 2)
Deyonta Davis – two years remaining
JaMychal Green – two-year contract (rumored)
Ivan Rabb – three-year contract with team options
Looking ahead
Assuming the Memphis Grizzlies run more small-ball lineups than in years past, determining which players will be most vulnerable heading into training camp isn’t easy to determine.
The team shouldn’t need four point guards with Kobi Simmons available for limited call-ups during the season. Everyone after Mike Conley is vulnerable to be traded or outright released at that position.
It’s similar to the situation they had a few years back with Damon Stoudamire, Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley. Either Mario Chalmers, Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin is going to lose the position battle and find themselves out of Memphis.
Eight wing players seems like a lot, but when you factor in the ‘stretch-4 position’ — which has been so successful in the NBA lately — then there are reasons to believe that isn’t too large a number. They already traded Troy Daniels. The move should make Ben McLemore, Wayne Selden, Chandler Parsons, Zade Zagorac and Dillon Brooks safe due to their new status with the team or large contract.
Assuming Green does return, one or two bigs could be expendable. Brandan Wright is a veteran with a small expiring contract that could attract attention. Former first-round draft pick Jarell Martin could attract some attention as well.
Camp invites Jeremy Morgan and Vince Hunter fill out the 20 players the Grizzlies want in camp, and they would need to be all-world to make the roster.
With the shortened training camp and preseason games, this could become one of the more exciting preseasons in team history.
Next: Who will be Grizzlies' MVP?
The Grizzlies will be holding their training camp at FedEx Forum from September 26-29 and their open practice on September 30 at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi from 12:00-2:00 PM.