Could the Memphis Grizzlies bench be elite?

After a thrilling opening night, the Memphis Grizzlies could have a dangerous element brewing in their system: an elite bench.

“Elite” isn’t a term I’ll throw out often. Big hasty generalizations aren’t something I’m going to give out either. However, the Memphis Grizzlies might have an elite bench.

After an opening-night win against the Pelicans, the Grizzlies ripped off a whopping 53 points off the bench. Pair that with a 27-point performance from Mike Conley, and there should be a Grizzly win nine times out of ten.

Even though they played one of the league’s worst benches, there’s just an interesting blend of talent that gels so well together. They have four perimeter players who can score, shoot and create for themselves and others. Then, they have a fast, long center who can sky for rebounds, blocks or lobs.

It’s certainly something we’ve never seen out of a Grizzlies’ bench. Ever.

The backcourt

Mario Chalmers and Tyreke Evans are a perfect second-unit backcourt — one that might be better than some starting backcourts (look at you, New York).

Although they were both inefficient last night — shot 5-of-21 combined — they’re excellent at running the offense and putting pressure on the defense. Though he didn’t capitalize on all his chances, Tyreke Evans was aggressive and got to the rim almost whenever he wanted. He even made the crowd ooh and ahh with his shifty moves on Dante Cunningham. His creativity and aggression will be important for this team. He plays with a pizzazz that can swing the momentum of the game. Just think of Evans as a sober Lance Stephenson.

Mario Chalmers is a point guard who can do something valuable: give Conley much-needed rest. In his first regular-season game since March 2016, Chalmers didn’t necessarily shoot the ball well (1-of-9), but he did a great job attacking the defense and getting others involved on offense (four assists). Not to mention, he managed the game well, turning the ball over two times.

Over the course of the year, it’ll be important for Chalmers to play at a high level to keep Conley’s minutes as low as possible. The reward for that: fresh legs for Conley come April.

The frontcourt

Let’s get the intriguing one out of the way first. Chandler Parsons, the Grizzlies’ $94,000,000 man. As a stretch-4 off the bench, he’s an interesting to succeed. For one, he won’t be going competition as elite, in comparison to being a starter.

However, it’s simply a move to get his confidence going. If he can find his rhythm scoring the basketball off the bench, his confidence could soar. As a result, we might see glimpses of Old Chandler as he could return to the starting 5. For now though, he’s another wing out there who’s going to play average defense, find easy looks for others and make high-IQ plays for buckets.

Brandan Wright is the bouncy center Memphis needs to transition towards a faster brand of basketball. Last year, the second-unit was slower to take advantages of the mismatches Zach Randolph had down low. Now, with playmakers highlighting the bench, Wright can go out there and do his thing. He’s going to rebound well and block shots on defense. On offense, he’ll set the right picks and put himself in position for an easy lob.

Lastly, the story of opening night: rookie Dillon Brooks.

The kid can flat ball out. He just does everything on the basketball court to ensure a win. On defense, he gets in the passing lanes and hustles for loose balls. He also never backs down from a challenge on defense as he corralled four steals and two blocks.

On offense, he’s going to find you buckets. He can get to the rim despite of this “average athleticism.” He’s going to hustle for put-backs. In addition, he has a smooth shooting touch from deep and mid-range. Brooks can be a special player, and Fizdale needs to find time for him even when Selden and McLemore return.

Could the Memphis Grizzlies bench be elite?

By Parker Fleming | Oct 19, 2017

After a thrilling opening night, the Memphis Grizzlies could have a dangerous element brewing in their system: an elite bench.

The backcourt

The frontcourt

Closing Remarks