Memphis Grizzlies: The Addition of Shelvin Mack Provides Stability
By Chris Kern
Strengths
Shelvin Mack is a guy who makes an impact on both sides of the ball. Here are three of the main ways he makes a positive impact on the game.
Defensive Physicality
A physical defender is a huge need for any team. Mack isn’t gonna just go lock somebody down but his physical play will make them uncomfortable and force tough shots.
It’s not always about shutting down your man. If you can make one guy feel out of place on offense it can change the whole way the offense is run. He isn’t an elite defender by any means but he does what is needed at that end of the floor.
His physical mindset on defense can also have an impact inside. Many guards still try to get to the basket and get easy shots off against smaller opponents. Mack isn’t extremely tall but he has a big frame and can hold his own on the inside.
Yeah, the league is going away from the traditional post up but that doesn’t mean it’s completely gone. Having a guard who can hold his own inside defensively is always nice to have.
Finishing At The Rim
Shelvin Mack’s strength makes him a good finisher when attacking the basket. He is able to absorb contact and finish through contact.
This is a skill many guards in today’s game have developed and for a guy like Mack who isn’t a great shooter, this is a key part of his game. You have to be able to score somehow if you’re going to be successful in this league.
A tough-minded guy like him who can finish through contact has the potential to be a good backup point guard. It will be interesting to see how much he drives to the bucket through contact in the Grizzlies offense.
Reliability
Shelvin Mack is a very reliable player. You can trust him to come in and play hard in whatever role he is asked to do.
When he was traded to Utah to be a starter he played at a high level. Even after that, he realizes his best role is as a backup point guard. He will be ready to step up whenever he is needed to.
With Mike Conley missing all of last season you’d expect him to miss at least a handful of games this season. Mack will do a fine job being the starting point guard in whatever game(s) Conley has to miss.