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Memphis Grizzlies: Early Free Agency Misses

By AJ Salah

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 25: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to take a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 25, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 25: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to take a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 25, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The first flurry of 2018 free agent signings has passed. Which now-claimed players would the Memphis Grizzlies have benefited from the most?

The NBA’s free agency hysteria has begun anew. July 1st marked open season for players seeking new contracts to test the market. As usual, the action got off to a frantic start, headlined by LeBron James making the East even crappier.

Buried beneath the numerous pivotal stories from Day 1 was Memphis’ seemingly-inconsequential signing of Omri Casspi. While he comes at a good price (a one-year veteran’s minimum of under $2.2 million), Casspi’s addition does not figure to move the needle much for the Grizzlies’ present or future.

Omri fits a need; he’s a good shooter (janky release aside). At his best, he can romp with Steph Curry. On a team with few long-range gunners or wing players, Casspi will certainly be counted on for more than the 22 threes he attempted last year.

But in the process of signing him, the Memphis Grizzlies have missed out on several players who could have made a greater impact. Given teams needs and a realistic budget; here are – in no particular order – the early misses for the Grizzlies in free agency (signees as of 9pm AST, Jul 2nd) :

CHICAGO, USA – APRIL 7: Joe Harris (12) of Brooklyn Nets in action during the NBA game between Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on April 7, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, USA – APRIL 7: Joe Harris (12) of Brooklyn Nets in action during the NBA game between Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on April 7, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets (2yrs/$16mil)

Harris hit Memphis’ needs at good value perhaps better than any free agent in this year’s class. His combination of dead-eye shooting, perimeter length and solid health made him an ideal fit for the Grizz.

Between Harris’ lack of pedigree and presence on the Nets, he figured to be a low-profile signing amid the early chaos. Ultimately he proved a loyal one as well, re-upping with the team he semi-broke out for.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers (1yr/$12mil)

It’s hard to blame a guy for wanting to keep playing in L.A., especially given a certain new teammate of his. Caldwell-Pope inked again with the Lakers, after posting his most efficient scoring season in 2017-18.

KCP’s $12mil price tag suggests he may have been a bit out of Memphis’ range. That said, a hypothetical trade could have freed up some financial flexibility.

Glenn Robinson III, Detroit Pistons (2yrs/$8.3mil)

Big Dog Jr would have been a great pickup for the Memphis Grizzlies. A sickening athlete with an impressive outside stroke, he is still just 24, and could grow with the Grizzlies’ young roster. Torn ankle ligaments curtailed his 2017-18 season, but Robinson would have plenty of opportunity to continue his growth in Memphis.

Instead, the Detroit Pistons, equally shallow on the wing, reaped his value. Robinson’s upside could make him one of free agency’s early steals, especially crucial for a capped-out team like Detroit, or *coughs uncomfortably* Memphis.

Next: Jaren Jackson Jr. Shines in Summer League Debut

Mario Hezonja, New York Knicks (1yr/$6.5mil)

Hezonja is an odd case who slept-walked through his first two NBA seasons. The Magic, cutting some of their many losses, thus declined their team option on a former fifth-overall pick, which is not exactly common.

Hezonja responded with his first signs of life as an NBA player: a per-36 line of 15/6/2 with 1.8 steals. His shooting was inconsistent, but he kept defenses honest, which is more than most of Memphis’ perimeter could have said last year. Still just 23 years old, a change of scenery might be all Hezonja needs for a full breakout.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Marco Belinelli #18 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Marco Belinelli #18 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marco Belinelli, San Antonio Spurs (2yrs/$12mil)

If the Spurs signed someone, chances are it was a smart idea. Belinelli carries a long track record of steady shooting and potent bench scoring. At 32, his prime is waning, but age may not sap an athletically-limited, efficient swingman as quickly as, say, Dwyane Wade.

Aside from the requisite shooting need, Belinelli would have brought an experienced presence to complement Mike Conley & Marc Gasol’s leadership. An 11-year veteran and former champ, Belinelli could have helped usher in Memphis’ youth movement. Again, the Spurs signed him; as good a co-sign for intangibles as a player can get.

Doug McDermott, Indiana Pacers (3yrs/$22mil)

Dougie McBuckets has been a poor fit for most of his NBA career. From his days with the Chicago Bulls’ archaic offense, to a pylon beside Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, to the New York Knicks, his situations have been unideal. A glimpse of his upside shone through last year, when he shot .494 from three over 26 games with Dallas.

A Kyle Korver-esque career arc does not seem far off for McDermott, based on similar per-36 numbers. At absolute worst, he would have been a welcome stretch threat for the Memphis Grizzlies, coming into his prime over this contract.

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