Memphis Grizzlies: Can Deyonta Davis take the backup center spot?
The Memphis Grizzlies are high on Deyonta Davis. Can he take the backup center role this season from Brandan Wright? Or do we have to keep waiting?
The Memphis Grizzlies are higher on Deyonta Davis than they have been on most rookies. Vince Carter praised him for his work ethic, potential and athleticism. Marc Gasol once stated that he can see Deyonta being the future of the franchise.
Obviously he has a lot of potential. He generated lottery buzz in 2016 but fell into the lottery. He flashed spurts of what he could be, but a foot injury derailed his season and momentum.
As a second-year big man, it was easy to envision him dominating the summer league. However, he didn’t show out as much as it’s not really suited for big men.
As the season begins, can Deyonta Davis become the team’s backup center? What does he have going for him? What stands in his way?
The case for making him the backup
- Future.
If he can be the “future of the franchise,” they need to unleash him now. They have to see what he’s made of and if he can really be a part of the team’s future. In the past, they’ve given up too quickly on prospects to watch them flourish elsewhere. They don’t need that with a high-potential big man like Deyonta Davis. If he’s the future, play him now, especially with Marc getting older.
- Change of pace big
When Brandan Wright is in the game at the 5 position, the Grizzlies are more athletic and faster. If they do the same with Deyonta Davis, they have a player with a similar skillset but with the potential to be so much more. Wright and Davis are nearly identical in terms of shot-blocking and effectiveness around the rim. However, Davis’ mid-range game might give him an edge.
- Wright’s injury history
Over the past two years, the Memphis Grizzlies haven’t seen much of Brandan Wright. If he can’t stay healthy, they’ll have no choice but to move forward with Deyonta Davis.
The case against making him the backup
- Experience
Youth does sound nice, but is Davis ready for real NBA minutes? There were times in Summer League where he just didn’t look ready for big-time minutes. If that translates in the preseason or early regular season, they’ll be forced to shift him to the G-Leauge and to go with Wright.
- Wright’s effectiveness
Wright was one of the Grizzlies’ most efficient players last year, even in limited action. He was tied for third on the team in PER (18.5). He also possessed the highest true shooting percentage (62.8) and field goal percentage (61.5). If that efficiency continues and he stays healthy, there’s no reason to move him out of the backup center role. Development and youth are nice, but winning is important too.
stats found on basketball-reference.
Closing Remarks
Making Deyonta Davis the team’s backup center is a good move going forward. However, this year might not be the year. If he blossoms immediately, the Grizzlies may have no choice.
With a veteran like Wright though, it’s better to lean towards the experience …
for now.