Numbers Prove the Memphis Grizzlies Have Stayed True to Defensive Foundation
The Memphis Grizzlies retooled their roster in the offseason with defense heavy on their minds. How has their defensive prowess performed in 2018-19?
Dating back to training camp, the discussion surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies‘ new-look roster involved one word. Defense.
Marc Gasol and Mike Conley were still holding down the fort on both ends of the floor as they have for many years as members of the Grizzlies. However, it were the role players — the supporting cast — and youthful additions that forced a direction for Memphis. In essence, it was a last-ditch effort to squeak into the postseason and make some noise with the Gasol-Conley duo.
The plan worked for nearly one month; however, the Memphis Grizzlies’ ship was sunk by the end of the calendar year. Blame it on miscommunication. Place blame on numerous injuries. You could even tag losses on Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff‘s name considering this is his first full-time season in the head coaching role.
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There are many things that have flopped for the Grizzlies in 2018-19. Call it whatever you want, but there is one aspect you cannot discredit. Memphis’ defense has not faltered.
During the off months of 2018, the Memphis Grizzlies selected a pair of defensive-minded prospects at the NBA Draft in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter. Then they scooped Kyle Anderson — a restricted free-agent — from the San Antonio Spurs. Even so, the team did not start here. They continued to push during this season, focusing even more on defense despite having major scoring issues.
Remember the midseason trade in which Memphis sent two of their most potent scorers to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Justin Holiday, a three-and-D guy? Plus, the Grizzlies took a waiver on Joakim Noah — a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner — which happens to be one of the 2018-19 season’s best comeback storylines.
The Memphis Grizzlies made it no secret that they wanted to be the league’s best defensive squad. Their thought process was to continue with the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” mantra and allowing their stifling defense to create scoring opportunities on the other end. While the points have been lacking (currently ranked last in the NBA at 102.1 points per game), the Grizzlies’ defense has been superb (currently allowing 104.6 points per game second to only the Indiana Pacers).
Memphis has been bouncing between first and second in the NBA in scoring defense all season long. Even after a hectic NBA Trade Deadline, the Grizzlies have retained their defensive composure. BBall Index recently analyzed the association’s league leaders in perimeter defense at the guard and wing positions. Take a look at their findings:
It should be no surprise to fans of the Memphis Grizzlies to see four of M-Town’s players on this top-15 list. Though the Indiana Pacers own the league’s top scoring defense, they only have one name in the top-15. In considering this short list, something else relative to the Grizzlies stands out.
At No. 15, you will see rookie Jevon Carter. He was neglected by Coach Bickerstaff to begin the season, then finally got a chance to shine in spot minutes in mid-December. His stellar play in the G-League with the Memphis Hustle forced the coaching staff‘s hands to unleash the West Virginia product.
In just 28 regular season games played with the Memphis Grizzlies (with three weeks remaining on the schedule), Carter has not been dealt a consistent role in the rotation. Even now, with the team clearly destined for a position outside of the playoff picture, Memphis is not taking advantage of their “secret” weapon. Bickerstaff has returned to neglecting Jevon in favor of his veterans.
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If anything, these numbers indicate that Memphis could very well be a better team than expected next season. There are many factors left to unfold in the upcoming offseason, and the Grizzlies are not guaranteed to have a Draft pick come June, but these perimeter defense rankings bode well for their team’s future.
Kyle Anderson was playing some of the best basketball of his professional career prior to being sidelined with a shoulder injury. Plus, Justin Holiday is still trying to find chemistry with the Grizzlies. Though Holiday may flee Memphis via NBA Free-Agency this summer, one should not underestimate the odds of his return. Lastly, Jevon Carter should be a much higher priority in the Grizzlies’ rotation, which will allow his game to flourish as an NBA sophomore guard.
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Today, the Memphis Grizzlies have reconditioned their strong defensive foundation. It has not faltered this season, and the organization has set themselves up nicely for the future. “Grit-‘N’-Grind” is how the Grizz became relevant this decade, and it is clear the franchise wants to continue down that same path. Now, Memphis much focus on a few consistent shooters and scorers to accompany their stifling defensemen.