Rookies, Rotation are Key Essentials for Memphis Grizzlies in Orlando
On Wednesday, all eyes will be focused on the head-to-head rookie matchup, but J.B. Bickerstaff’s lineup has equal significance for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Though the NBA remains in preseason mode, a lot of attention should be placed on Wednesday evening’s meeting between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic.
The top headline will be the battle of NBA first round rookies Jaren Jackson Jr. (fourth overall pick) and Mohamed Bamba (fifth overall pick). However, Grizz Nation should pay special attention to the lineups and overall rotation displayed by Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Starting with the star rookies, it is safe to say that both first-year players are getting more comfortable by the game. Jackson Jr. and Bamba are stuffing stat sheets prior to the official beginning of their respective NBA careers.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. has provided an efficient spark off the bench offensively in preseason action for the Memphis Grizzlies. He has contributed 15 points versus the Houston Rockets and 18 points against the Indiana Pacers.
Though he is truly a raw talent, he will definitely make an impact with Memphis in 2018-19. His ability to block shots, crash the glass, and stretch the floor are a rare combination in today’s game.
The Orlando Magic’s Mo Bamba is no slouch either, even if he dissed the idea of becoming a member of the Grizzlies prior to Draft Night. If Memphis continues their winning ways in preseason action, perhaps Mo will be kicking himself for slighting the Grizzlies (kidding).
Orlando is needing lots of assistance from their young roster and Mohamed Bamba has been an early solution. Not only is he producing 12-point, nine-rebound games (versus Rio de Janeiro Flamengo), but he carries additional characteristics, much like Memphis’ “Triple-J.” Bamba recorded seven points, four boards, three assists, and three steals in 23 minutes in a one-point loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.
These are the big men of the future. Jaren and Mo are not big stiffs in the post. These guys are mobile, versatile, and come packing a jump shot. Though this is not a regular season meeting, there should be plenty of excitement surrounding this rookie duo. Five, ten, or more seasons from now, Jackson Jr. and Bamba could very well be compared to one another on a regular basis. Both guys have the tools to become NBA superstars.
This particular Memphis Grizzlies game versus the Orlando Magic will be the fourth opportunity for Coach Bickerstaff to exercise his rotation. After resting veterans Marc Gasol and Mike Conley in Saturday’s home victory, it sounds like things will return to normal against the Magic.
It will be interesting to see if Bickerstaff toys with a realistic small-ball lineup for a few spurts, which occurred on Saturday to begin the game. For a little over seven minutes versus the Indiana Pacers, an intriguing group was introduced.
The five-man starting unit consisted of JaMychal Green at center, Chandler Parsons at power forward, Wayne Selden appearing at small forward, and a backcourt comprised of Garrett Temple (shooting guard) and Shelvin Mack (point guard).
Versatility will definitely be a strength of the 2018-19 Grizzlies. That much has been extremely evident throughout training camp and preseason. However, this potential lineup can really place a beatdown on opponents from length and speed aspects.
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Perhaps the greatest benefit will be the rest Gasol and Conley will be able to receive. The less the Memphis Grizzlies have to lean on their star combo, the brighter their season will become. Both guys are in their 30s and any significant injury to either will be a catastrophic blow to Memphis’ postseason chances.
Another key headline to watch is the Memphis Grizzlies’ signing of D.J. Stephens to a two-way contract. Stephens, a University of Memphis Tigers legend, will continue his M-Town legacy on Wednesday.
D.J. tells Beale Street Bears “to my understanding, I’ll be ready and available in our next game. Whether or not I’ll play, I’m unsure because I’ve only practiced with the team one time. Just got to be ready if my name is called.”
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Expect Memphis to treat this matchup much like a regular season game. The official start to the 82-game schedule begins in exactly one week from today. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM Central Time.