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Just How Bright is the Memphis Grizzlies’ Future as it Currently Stands?

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Jaren Jackson #13 and Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies react to a play during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 12, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Jaren Jackson #13 and Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies react to a play during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 12, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Good

Though the Memphis Grizzlies are known to have a poor NBA Draft history, they seem to have done an excellent job with the No. 4 and No. 32 overall picks in 2018. Those selections wound up being Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter.

Though both Jackson Jr. and Carter are two defense-first players, there are many attributes to their respective games. The rookie duo fits the Grizzlies’ defensive foundation and provide hope for the future in both the frontcourt and backcourt.

Though Jevon Carter has not had nearly as much opportunity as Jaren Jackson Jr. this season, the West Virginia product has demonstrated many reasons to be excited for his future.

On the defensive end, he has frustrated some of the NBA’s best guards. Meanwhile, Carter has shown the ability to score and make plays in transition (off his own steals) and also knock down the three-point shot. Though his offense is taking some time to make the adjustment to the NBA, one has to wonder how much better he would be on this end in a much more consistent role. A lot has to be said about consistency and familiarity.

For Jaren Jackson Jr., the 19-year-old big man has shown flashes of being one of the best young players in the entire league. He schooled LeBron James en route to a clutch victory. He has shown confidence, especially in closing moments of regulation and overtime periods. Though foul trouble has haunted him in many of the 58 games in which he has appeared, he has acknowledged his weaknesses and is working hard — even while sidelined — to make improvements.

While Jackson Jr. is the guy the Memphis Grizzlies will build around in the next era of their own history, a lot of focus is rightfully being placed on the players around him. Jevon Carter is already penciled in, but he is not the only backcourt component that Memphis will bank on.

The NBA Trade Deadline brought the services of Delon Wright from Toronto. He has proven to be an above-average playmaker as well as a decent defender. Wright is a consistent option at either guard spot, and may actually flourish if given the reigns once Mike Conley‘s days in Memphis are complete.

At shooting guard, two options are now 100% in the fold of things. Dillon Brooks had an excellent rookie season, but endured an injury-plagued sophomore season. While this season has been chalked up as a wash for him, his stellar play in 2017-18, especially in the final month of that regular season, is well on the minds of Grizzlies fans. He was spectacular and showed confidence when the team needed points on the board.

Following the NBA Trade Deadline, Brooks’ collegiate teammate — Tyler Dorsey — was snagged by the Memphis Grizzlies in a minor trade. Dorsey was a shooting guard prospect that did not cost Memphis much, but even more than they could have imagined, he has proven to be highly valuable. He is the type of scorer the team has wanted for many seasons — one that is not afraid to shoot and one that can create his own shot.

Also on the wing in the small forward position is the latest G-League gem uncovered by the Grizzlies — Bruno Caboclo. Eerily enough, he is yet another former member of the Toronto Raptors, but that is not a bad thing. Toronto can spot talent, and then there is also the chemistry factor that some of these Raptors-turned-Grizzlies have formed in the past. It is a continuation, if you will.

Caboclo is a freak athlete of sorts. Though he needs to work on his outside shot, he adds great length at small forward, which gives the Grizzlies a boost on the defensive end, too. Something to watch is his development with Memphis to see if he can further prove he belongs in the NBA.

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Also at small forward is Kyle Anderson. Though he is currently out with ongoing shoulder issues, he proved himself in Year One as a member of the Grizzlies. He was clearly Memphis’ best playmaker and had instant chemistry with Jaren Jackson Jr. Though he continues to struggle with the scoring aspect, that is not his game. He should not be placed in a situation to be a primary scoring. Rather, he needs to be a primary facilitator. His four-year, $37 million contract looks to be a steal, especially since he is only 25 years old.

Moving to the center position, Ivan Rabb has made great strides in his sophomore season. Though Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has opted to ride with his veteran players in most circumstances, Rabb has produced when called upon. He has become a double-double threat when given extended minutes. The real aspect to watch is his compatability with Jaren Jackson Jr. as a frontcourt duo. That much remains to be seen.

Lastly, you cannot forget about two-way contracts in today’s NBA. These are prospects that need more development than your average NBA Draft picks, and this could not be any more true of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Yuta Watanabe.

This swingman has turned heads in the NBA preseason action and the G-League as a frequent performer for the Memphis Hustle. He has had Grizz Nation begging Bickerstaff to insert him into the lineup on many occasions, and the 2019-20 season could see Watanabe’s contract convert from a two-way to a guaranteed deal. It would be a wise decision if so.

All in all, the Grizzlies have a young core compiled of shooters and playmakers, and most of them contain two-way potential. Entering Year One of the rebuild, you cannot ask for much more, especially since they have clearly defined their next franchise centerpiece in Jaren Jackson Jr.

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