Memphis Grizzlies: 2018-19 First Month Awards
By AJ Salah
Rookie of the Month: Garrett Temple
OK, so clearly we’re aware that Garrett Temple isn’t actually a rookie. But in an effort to not default-award this one to Jaren Jackson Jr, we’re giving it to the best first-year Grizzly. And that’s definitely been Temple so far.
The nine-year veteran has been a crucial addition to Memphis’ once-shallow wing spot. Signed primarily for his defense, he’s been their best perimeter lockdown artist so far.
The Grizzlies’ defense-rating has skyrocketed from 26th last season to fourth in 2018-19. While obviously not entirely Temple’s doing, he leads all Memphis rotation players with a 99.6 D-rating, often guarding the opposition’s best scorer.
Despite his reputation, his defense could be argued as better-than-advertised thus far. Perhaps not quite as pure gully as Tony Allen, Temple is still helping to rebirth Memphis’ Grit-N-Grind glory days.
What might not have been expected from GT was so much throttle on offense. Temple’s career-high 12.2 points per game are the team’s third-highest behind Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.
He’s been an unexpected source of scoring on a team that needs it badly; a two-way contributor that’s come up huge for Memphis’ hot start.