Memphis Grizzlies’ youth has progressed

With Memphis Grizzlies’ 2017/2018 season wrapping up, we tended to look at the lottery, and not our youth for next season. How have they progressed?

With this season being a whirlwind of a year, and guys being in and out of the lineup, I decided to do the “eye test.” Majority of the time, I, along with other rely on a guys stats from one year to the next to judge his progression. In this article will strictly be based on the eye test, and possibly some statistics from the guys in their second or third years.

Andrew Harrison

Looking back to last season, grading Harrison’s progression is so easy. He went from being a guy that nobody could stand seeing the court, to one of the most reliable backup Grizzly point guards in years. He is more patient with the ball and doesn’t force as much anymore.

Those crazy three-point shots that the defense wouldn’t honor last season? They have to now, because he has worked on his shot all season. Harrison raised his three point percentage this season by six percent, and it could’ve possibly been better if he was running with a healthy Grizzlies lineup around him.

Harrison loves to drive the lane and force contact, and a lot of the time the officials do not give him those calls, but he is learning how to handle it. Harrison, averaging 9.5 points per game on 42 percent shooting this season is what you forward to next season behind a healthy Mike Conley.

Ivan Rabb

Rabb was talked about as a great rebounder coming out of the University of California, but no one talked about his offensive game. So, when Rabb was scoring with ease in the G-League with the Memphis Hustle, I was shocked. If Rabb adds weight this off-season, he can be a solid all-around player for this Grizzlies team next season and for years to come. Seeing the floor will come with time and minutes, but he has been excellent in the minutes he was given his rookie year.

Jarell Martin

From a promise of being cut, to playing a vital role on this team, Martin had a crazy year to say the least. He was promised a jersey in the preseason to showcase his talents to other NBA teams, and then was set to be cut. Martin showed he was a force this preseason, earning a roster spot and a role in the rotation.

A lot of people have been down on Jarell, but why? He played the three position that is not even his position and played it well. Not only that, every time someone said he could not do something he did it. Believe it or not, Martin improved this season in a big way. His aggressiveness to shoot, picking spots on the floor, and overall IQ improved this season. While 2018/2019 are not guaranteed for Martin, better believe that he is going to come in and put up a huge fight for a roster spot just like this season.

Deyonta Davis

I know, Marc Gasol said he was the future big man on this team, but that was before Ivan Rabb was on this roster. Davis just does not have the motivation or IQ to live in the NBA. Davis is what I call a system player. He’s a center that stands in the paint and protects the rim, but cannot defend outside of 10 feet.

Not only that, but remember in Summer League when Wayne Selden was yelling at Davis consistently about where he needed to be on the floor? Nothing has changed. Well, if you count finally learning how to set a screen and rolling for a lob once in a while as progression, he progressed. I think Davis is one of the odd balls out in 2018.

Wayne Selden

Selden has had a rough year in terms of injuries. A guy that plays the way Selden plays reminds me of Dwayne Wade with physical attributes and aggressions. Injuries are what kept him from getting drafted. This season, Selden struggled to find a rhythm on the offensive end and was never fully healthy. With that being said though, he did not progress this season, but Wayne has more talent than anyone on this list, so he is already on track.

Yes, the injuries scare me, but I’ll take his contract and talent any year.

Kobi Simmons

More from Beale Street Bears

Simmons is a wildcard, isn’t he? Nobody, and I mean nobody talked about this guy until he appeared in the Grizzlies Summer League. A guy struggling for minutes at Arizona decided that his talents were already NBA-ready, and he bet on himself, and it has payed off for him.

As an undrafted two-way player, he’ll be fighting for a role on the Grizzlies next season. Simmons will likely get another two-way contract, but I would love to be wrong.

Dillon Brooks

Brooks has played good all season and has taken all of these losses and learned. Head Coach JB Bickerstaff wants Brooks to be a smart scorer. Bickerstaff knows the rookie can score, but to be a smart, consistent scorer — not a “rocket laucher.” He can get 20 points a night in the NBA, and his defense was great to start the year, but seemed to drop as the season went on. Brooks listened to everyone that came to him with advice, and implemented it into his game. He will play a huge role in 2018.

Next: Dillon Brooks is balling out

All these young players can play a big role for the Memphis Grizzlies next season. What must they do to take the next step? That next step in the process is definitely exciting.