3 Different Takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ Preseason Output

Second Takeaway

Blake Monroe: “For anyone that has or has not followed the Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason games, the tempo in which the games have been played has greatly increased.

Last season, the Grizzlies were ranked as one of the slowest teams in the league. Based on what we have all seen these past five games, that has changed.

Having a more versatile roster mixed with more scoring options has made things faster. The Grizzlies have been able to move the ball well, increasing their assists-per-game stats, and score; all before the defense can truly defend.

These results can be seen in their average score per game. Outside of their preseason meeting against the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies have done well offensively, averaging over 100 points per game. Thus, meaning that Memphis can both defend and score effectively.

This combination, due to speed, will increase their chances of being a playoff contender come late-April.

Over the past five preseason games, something that stands out is the lack of consistency with most bench players. Players such as Garrett Temple, Chandler Parsons, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. were all players Memphis relied upon to consistently score and defend.

Overall, these players did a great job over the course of five games. On the other hand, players like Wayne Selden, Omri Casspi, Andrew Harrison, and Ivan Rabb led a show of inconsistent shot placement and defensive approaches.

Yes, on some nights, they were star players for the Grizzlies, but on others, they just seemed to be players. Not just these aforementioned Grizzlies, but other bench players just did not seem to play with the same drive, attentiveness, and accuracy that the core demonstrated.

This being said, the Memphis Grizzlies have a shot to be a dominant force in the West, but their second and third string players need to step up their game.”