Memphis Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks Links Present to Future

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 6: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 6, 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 - APRIL 6: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 6, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 10: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 10: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Squad Goin’ Up

The best part of Brooks’ outlook for the upcoming season might be what we do not yet know. At only 22, he likely has the greatest upside of any incumbent Grizzly, which could render this season preview a huge undersell.

Several key factors — his age, improved surroundings and gym-rat nature — suggest he is far from his ceiling. What if he comes back an adept three-point shooter? Suppose he added a couple go-to moves off the dribble? Perhaps the Gasol brothers taught him a thing or two about high-post playmaking? A player with a decent framework of skill sets and a proclivity to test his comfort zone could improve in a number of ways.

So consider this a conservative assessment of Dillon Brooks’ potential impact for the Memphis Grizzlies. Even if Chandler Parsons is healthy, and the new duo of Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple show out, Brooks could — and should — command a focal role in the rotation by virtue of his own play.

Memphis Grizzlies: What is Omri Casspi to the 2018-19 Team?. dark. Next

Last year’s version of Brooks would be a valuable role player, but the safe bet is on him making noticeable strides in his sophomore season.