3 Different Takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ Preseason Output
Third Takeaway
Christian Dudley: “Starting with the bad and the ugly, the Memphis Grizzlies were defensive — too defensive — in many instances during their preseason schedule. It comes down to excessive fouling.
It has been made known that this Grizzly team will be all about defense. They drafted defensive-minded rookies and they snagged multiple defense-first veterans during the offseason. However, the team will shoot themselves in the foot during the regular season if they continue some of their bad habits.
Memphis ranked 29th of 30 NBA teams in the fouling department in preseason play. They averaged 30.8 fouls per game, less than one foul away from being dead last. It definitely did not help that the Grizzlies faced the Houston Rockets in two of their five total contests, but not much improvement was displayed in a week’s time between these two meetings.
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It is one thing to play tough, hard-nosed defense, but it is another item when members of the team are repeatedly fouling jump-shooters, or committing silly fouls early in the shot clock. This is what could bring the team consecutive losses, and those will be major roadblocks at critical points in the season. Adjustments must be made right now rather than one or two months into the season.
On a good note, the Grizzlies demonstrated exceptional depth during the preseason. Moves that may have initially seemed minor — such as the addition of Shelvin Mack — could potentially pay major dividends in the regular season.
By the looks of the preseason rotation, Mack will be the primary backup point guard to Mike Conley. He pushed the pace and was constantly in attack mode — just what this squad needs on offense. Scoring does not look like a strong suit for this club, so in order to get a lift offensively, Memphis has to be the one to strike first.
Due to the team’s incredible bench depth, especially in the backcourt, this gives them the upper hand in the scouting report. The Grizzlies’ players have a vast variety of skill sets, such as Dillon Brooks’ two-way potential and MarShon Brooks’ killer instinct to create for himself. This makes it extremely difficult for the opposition to defensively make a game plan.
The preseason was a prime example of this versatility. Wayne Selden received one start as a small forward. The shooting guard position remained in constant rotation between Garrett Temple and the Brooks duo. There was even some variation at both forward positions between JaMychal Green, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Chandler Parsons.
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It is amazing how interchangeable this roster can be, and it should pay off enough for the Memphis Grizzlies to land a seed in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Bench depth is one key that makes good teams great.”