The Memphis Grizzlies initially appeared to have won a trade they completed in the offseason, but little did they know leadership would be gained.
When the Memphis Grizzlies completed a trade with the Sacramento Kings on July 17th, the fan base was signing hallelujah for what was dealt.
Memphis somehow found a way to rid themselves of the hefty contract of Ben McLemore in addition to severing ties with the developmental project of Deyonta Davis.
It was a victory for the fan base, but ultimately a sigh of relief for the Front Office. McLemore and Davis were bad decisions made in Free-Agency and at the Draft, respectively. The team was able to unload two mistakes within recent history.
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Typically when teams dump a bad contract and/or cut ties with a disappointing prospect, it comes at a high cost. Some way, some how…the Memphis Grizzlies were able to swap their bad choices for a quality piece to their puzzle.
Garrett Temple was snatched away from Sacramento. Not only is he an efficient player at multiple positions, Temple has a high basketball IQ and he brings a lot to the table both on and off the court.
In speaking about on and off the court, one key aspect to Garrett Temple’s presence on the latest Grizzlies roster is something not demonstrating within a typical box score.
Leadership.
Monday’s NBA Media Day brought lots of great insight across the league, as it always does. On the Kings’ end of things, Head Coach Dave Joerger — formerly of the Grizzlies — spoke highly of Garrett Temple.
He may not be the biggest name on Memphis’ roster today. He was not the biggest name on Sacramento’s roster last season. However, it is how Garrett handles himself and leads by example.
Entering his 10th season in the NBA, the LSU product has plenty of experience to share with his young Grizz teammates. The Memphis Grizzlies have been known for consistently having a strong veteran presence, and that trend looks to continue in 2018-19. It is not just the players in uniform, but this is also consistent with J.B. Bickerstaff’s newly-assembled coaching staff.
Grizz Nation may be surprised by the impact made by Temple in the upcoming season. Yes, he is a greater leader. His teammates will certainly learn a lot for him. Additionally, as recently discussed on Beale Street Bears, he may play significant minutes for the Grizzlies — and rightfully so. He plays the game the right way.
As training camp has tipped off and the coaching staff continues to rave about Garrett Temple, expect this to be an ongoing theme this season. He is well on his way to becoming the next favorite amongst the fan base.