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Why The Memphis Grizzlies Signed Shelvin Mack

By Chris Kern

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic stands on the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic stands on the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies signing of Shelvin Mack puts the team over the roster limit while furthering the logjam they have in the backcourt.

They signed Mack for a reason though, he is a veteran point guard who can help this team win. They will have to make a roster move before the season as they now have 16 players.

What Does Mack Bring To The Team?

Shelvin Mack is a veteran point guard who has been in the league for a long time. He went to college at Butler University. He was there while Brad Stevens was still the coach there and they made back-to-back national title game appearances.

Mack has bounced around from NBA rosters throughout his career playing for five teams before signing with Memphis. He has been traded multiple times over the years so he’s got to be glad to be able to join the Grizzlies by choice.

Mack has started just 53 of the 399 career games he has played in. He has averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 assists per game overall his years. His time with the Jazz was where he played his best ball. He averaged 9.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over his 83 games with the team.

Shelvin Mack is gonna play with that tough mindset that the Memphis Grizzlies want next season. He isn’t an elite defender like some of the other guys they have brought in but he is more than capable on that end.

He won’t have a huge role next season but he could be big on days when the Grizzlies decide to rest Conley. Mike Conley will possibly sit out games a decent amount of games to rest next season and it’s possible that Mack could start in his place on those nights.

Is Andrew Harrison On His Way Out?

With Shelvin Mack being signed to the team it could lead to the Grizzlies moving on from Andrew Harrison. They drafted Jevon Carter with the 32nd pick in the draft so he will make the team. With the Grizzlies having so many other guards It’s hard to imagine four point guards being on the roster.

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Andrew Harrison is good enough to be a backup elsewhere so it’s possible that the Memphis Grizzlies could get something back for him in a potential trade. But with Mack and Carter both being acquired this offseason it’s hard to envision Harrison sticking around much longer.

The Memphis Grizzlies made a similar move last season when they cut Wade Baldwin. They chose to sign Mario Chalmers to the active roster while electing to cut 2016 first round pick Wade Baldwin.

This move wouldn’t be as shocking as that move as Harrison has been a potential trade piece for a while now. It’s not for sure that Harrison will be gone but the Grizz will want to get minutes for their other new point guards.

Andrew Harrison is a good player. Wherever he is playing next season expect him to have an impact with that team’s second unit.

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