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Memphis Grizzlies: The time for Wayne Selden to shine is now

By Brendan Smart

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 26: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 26, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 26: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 26, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden Jr., is entering his third season in Memphis, and if he doesn’t excel in year three, it may be time to move on.

Standing at 6’5, weighing in at 230 pounds, Wayne Selden fits the bill of an NBA two guard, and can strive in Memphis, but can his body play all 82? Selden, out of the University of Kansas has shown his worth, and that is a ton of upside, but injuries could derail is NBA career. Last season, Selden played more games then he had ever played in his career, 35. Not what you expect from a guy like Selden, but then then you take a look back at his injury history and it all makes sense.

MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 26: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 26, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 26: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 26, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. /

Last season, it seemed Selden struggled with a nagging quad injury, that left him missing most of the season. Selden turned it on for the end of the season, because I think he finally trusted that his injury had ended, however next his knees started hurting. In a nine game span towards the end of the 2017-18 season, Selden score in double figures in seven of those, and admitted that he had finally gotten over the quad injury.

After that nine game stretch, Selden sat out the Grizzlies last five games of the season, which later was announced as “knee soreness.” He and Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons both had injections following the season to relieve the pain in their knees.

Can he play all 82?

This is a tough question, but similar to Chandler Parsons, he’d have to change his style of play. Selden has spent his young career as a bully driver that can finish ferociously at the rim.

However, I see Selden doing more then that. Spot up three point shooting, possibly having more responsibility on this offense. Grizzlies Center Marc Gasol and Guard Mike Conley could feature him more this upcoming season if healthy, and if his body can take it.

Selden’s future in Memphis:

Selden’s future in Memphis relies on this season. According to basketballreference.com, Selden will be in the final year of his two year deal with Memphis and will make 1.5 million this upcoming season. With that being said, it is do or die for Selden’s NBA career in the 901, it is up to his body on his future in the NBA.

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