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Memphis Grizzlies: Bickerstaff Sees ‘Strength in Versatility’ in Lineups

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 17: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies helps introduce new players during a press conference on September 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 17: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies helps introduce new players during a press conference on September 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is looking to use the team’s nebulous rotation to their advantage in the upcoming 2018-19 season.

Going into the offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies‘ lack of depth was one of the chief weaknesses in their attempt to rebuild. As the 2018 season unofficially kicks off with Media Day, how exactly its rotation will shake up still remains unclear.

Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff may be using the lack of clear-cut certainty to his advantage going into training camp. During a Monday interview with Grind City Media‘s Michael Wallace and Chris Vernon, Bickerstaff was asked about his envisioned lineup, specifically the two-guard spot.

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“We’ve got strength in versatility,” Bickerstaff responded. “We’ve got guys that can play multiple positions.” Further, he hinted at more fluidity between wing spots. “…The way that we’re going to play, our offense would be positionless,” J.B. added. “You do not necessarily have to be a two, or a three. We can put whatever combination we see on the floor that best fits the group.”

Bickerstaff also stressed a focus on the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench, and maintaining an offensive pulse that can “change a game, or stretch the lead.” His suggestion is that the starting lineup is far from being set in stone.

“We’ve got a bunch of guys that could be starters,” he remarked. “Our job as a coaching staff is to figure out the best lineups.”

It is a progressive outlook from Bickerstaff, one that seeks to evolve in the general direction of the NBA towards “positionless” basketball. There is a reason many smart teams are following this trend. Fluid positions and a balanced bench can help Memphis stretch the value of a perhaps-limited resource stable.

Next. Grizzlies Media Day Headlines to Watch For. dark

Bickerstaff said mostly the right things on Media Day; approaching an uncertain training camp with an open mind. Even if many questions still surround the Memphis Grizzlies’ upcoming season, leveraging strength from perceived weakness will help yield the right answers.

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