The Memphis Grizzlies have a new core
In 2010, the Memphis Grizzlies brought together the “Core Four” to make a playoff push. Eight years later, they have an impressive new core.
It seems like so many people think that this season is lost, and for the playoffs it is. For the Baby Grizzlies, their careers in Memphis are just beginning. Kobi Simmons, Wayne Selden Jr., Dillon Brooks, Ivan Rabb and Deyonta Davis are just the short list of talent the Memphis Grizzlies have. This isn’t including Jarell Martin or Andrew Harrison, who have each made huge improvements in their game this season.
The Future?
Yes, the future, and this season has been a blessing in disguise. Losing is something you never to happen, but young guys battling night-in-out, not thinking about the talent across the floor, is so fun.
It’s the future of this organization with an aging Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol. It will end at some point, right? If not this season, then next season, and the Grizzlies are ready roster-wise to move on.
2018 Roster/Rotations
It still ends working out beautifully. Conley, Selden, Brooks, Martin, and Gasol starting five is something that gets me excited.
Then, the bench unit would feature young talent including Rabb, Simmons, Davis, and Harrison. This doesn’t even include the lottery pick the Grizzlies get in this year’s draft off the bench.
Evaluating each young player:
Dillon Brooks, the Grizzlies’ second pick in the 2017 NBA draft, was a complete steal. He has been everything and more for the Grizzlies this season, and he’s clearly been all in on this team. He’s defending when needed and guarding the opposing teams best player in some cases, but that’s just defensively. Offensively, Brooks has progressed on his jump shot, and he’s also learning where to be on the floor. Over 50 games in, and Brooks continues to look like a bright young star in the NBA.
It took some time for Ivan Rabb to see the NBA floor, but I could see it before a lot of people could. Rabb would come in during a blow out loss when many people weren’t paying attention and surprise everyone. He has an excellent basketball IQ, and his coaches haven’t been shy about he sees the NBA game for his age. During the Monday night’s broadcast, Memphis Hustle head coach Glen Cyrprien referred to Rabb as “another coach of the floor.” Rabb has shown signs on both ends of being great at the center position in the future for Memphis.
Deyonta Davis has shown that he can be a solid rotational player for the Grizzlies. His downfalls are his IQ for the game and his game shape. He’s slow and lacks knowledge of the game, but all of that can change — if he’s willing. Jarell Martin had a similar issue due to his lack of experience in the game, but he’s turned that around. Can Davis do the same? I hope, but he’s not the best young big on the team, and that’s not bad. The Grizzlies are full of young, talented bigs –which should push Davis to be better.
Throughout his strong summer league, Wayne Selden flashed an impressive skillset. He could already play defense, but he just needed to touch up his jumper. Over the past several games, his 3-point shot has looked a lot better, which in turn increased his confidence. Weird fact, but his three technical fouls in the last five games are exciting, as he has the fire to fight for himself and the team. He’s living up to the hype and should be the starting 2-guard next season.
Next: Implications of Mike Conley's injury
Closing Remarks
When the Grizzlies are competing for a top five pick — which means losing a lot of games — just remember that it’s one season.
One season that could potentially make or break this team, a season that feels like a blessing in disguise.
The young players are building confidence for next season, and the team trading short-term talent for draft picks will help in the long run. The biggest thing is, Marc Gasol is learning how to lead instead of complain. His attitude has changed a ton this season, especially towards the young guys.
Be patient, Memphis, the Grizzlies will be back stronger than ever next season, but watching Brooks, Rabb, Davis, and Selden is just a preview of your new core.