Yuta Watanabe is Key to the Memphis Grizzlies’ Long-Term Plans

As the G-League season opens, all eyes are on Yuta Watanabe as he begins his developmental journey as a key piece of the Memphis Grizzlies’ future.

Yuta Watanabe has been the cause of a spike in interest of the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Based on the little time that Grizz Nation has seen him in action, he can potentially be worth all the hype.

Since the beginning of training camp, there has been a flock of media around the locker of one of the Grizzlies’ two-way players, which is very unusual to say the least.

What is also unusual is that there has only been one other Japanese player in NBA history that has appeared in a regular season game. Already in the young 2018-19 season, Yuta Watanabe became the youngest.

This is in addition to the drastically increased interest in NBA basketball in Asia, which has resulted in a slew of Asian media members following Yuta throughout his tenure as a Memphis Grizzlies player. It is no surprise he gained the top-five most new Twitter followers of any NBA player for the month of October.

In addition to his clear marketing potential, Watanabe has shown potential as a 6’9″ versatile wing on the court. While watching film of Yuta from his George Washington University days, it is noticeable how deceptively explosive he can be, especially when attacking the basket.

Yuta Watanabe also showed ability to get his own shot against equal competition. He recognizes when he has a size advantage and looks to take advantage of that. His defenders usually underestimate his ability to get by them for an easy bucket.

Watanabe is also a capable shooter with the ability to make defenders give space. Being as Yuta has shown the potential to play shooting guard and both forward spots, one can see him becoming a solid role player in the rotation because who does not like versatility?!

This Memphis Grizzlies prospect has some polishing to endure — there is no doubt. However, he has shown that he brings a lot to the table and Grizz fans should be excited about his future with the franchise.

Yuta’s success on the court can mean big-time exposure in foreign markets off the court. Exposure leads to revenue for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis’ Front Office is well aware of the marketing ramifications of a successful foreign player. This kid actually having talent was the perfect oppurtunity that is virtually of no risk.

If I were the Grizzlies’ Front Office, as of what he is today as a player, I give him at least a couple seasons to develop. Watanabe really has talent — his gifted combination fluidity and measurements alone are worth patience.

The huge ramifications it could have on the franchise in the world’s largest market are a completely different animal in comparison to the 1.1 million head count of the Memphis metro market.

With Yuta Watanabe in play for the Memphis Grizzlies, older guys fighting for roles like Chandler Parsons (who virtually are similar players) are bound to be the odd man out.

Yuta may not have the NBA All-Star potential of Jaren Jackson Jr. on court but his unique background gives him maybe even more marketability as an international sensation.

Needless to say, the Grizzlies have several reasons to make Yuta a priority in their developmental plans. They really need him to max out on his very solid potential as a professional basketball player.