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Predicting Memphis Grizzlies Free Agent Targets

By Brendan Smart

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Free Agency begins in less than two days on July 1st, and the Memphis Grizzlies surprisingly have several targets on their board come midnight of the first.

The Beale Street Bears crew sat down and analyzed each free agent that would fit the Grizzlies MLE, and would fit on this roster.

AJ Salah (@Salas42_): Joe Harris
Memphis’ offense was horrific last season. They compiled a 101.8 offensive rating and 53.9 true shooting % – both good for 27th – while sitting with Sacramento as the NBA’s only sub-100ppg teams.

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 7: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 7, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 7: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 7, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. /

The good news for the Grizzlies is that Mike Conley’s return not only gifts them an elite quarterback, but will reinvigorate their other best player, Marc Gasol.

The bad news is that they are pitifully shallow on the wing. Dillon Brooks is their only consistent two-way player, and the oft-injured Chandler Parsons poses the closest thing they have to a stretch threat.

As such, the Grizzlies – as they were in GNG days – should pretty clearly be targeting swingmen who can shoot in free agency. The only problem being, they’re pretty much capped out and have only the mid-level exception in the chamber.

With a market correction hitting free agency this year, players should be far more accessible with the MLE. Depending on demand, a number of desired targets could fall into Memphis’ price range: Marco Bellinelli, Wayne Ellington, Doug McDermott, even Mario Hezonja after his vibrant 2017-18 season, could all fit the bill.

But while most of the NBA slept on Brooklyn last year, Harris became a sublimely efficient shooter, connecting on 42% of 4.6 threes/game. His all-around game is solid if unspectacular, but his shooting is exactly the kind of threat Memphis lacks.

Listed at 6’6”, Harris plays long on the perimeter and could swing on D in different-size lineups.
He also brings intangibles. A second-round pick and limited athlete who’s hustled his way to a spot in the NBA; his blue-collar work ethic fits the roster and city. Better yet – and this important for Memphis – his record is clear of any major injuries.

The Nets actually keep their lottery pick this year, so they could easily shed salary and bottom out. Harris is a low-profile signing the Grizzlies may not get much competition over, who addresses a glaring need at the right price.

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