Memphis Grizzlies: Opportunity Presents Itself For Ivan Rabb After Jonas Valanciunas Injury

The Memphis Grizzlies will be lacking frontcourt depth after the injury to Jonas Valanciunas. Ivan Rabb is one of a few guys who will be asked to play a larger role in his absence.

The Memphis Grizzlies have dealt with injuries all season long. They now will need to make even more adjustments for the final five games after the injury to Jonas Valanciunas. Ivan Rabb is one of the guys who will have a chance for extended minutes in his absence.

If Joakim Noah is unable to go then Rabb will be the only actual big man available. Bruno Caboclo would likely get minutes at the five if that were the case and it seems as if that will be the case as Noah hasn’t played since in the previous four-game, but they may go ahead and try and get a little bit out of him since they don’t have anybody else.

With all the injuries going on it seems unlikely the Grizzlies will be able to convey their draft pick in the draft. They still have a lot to play for though at least a few of these players will be battling for a roster spot next season.

Ivan Rabb is one of those guys, but with the way, he has played so far this season when given a chance, he will most likely be back on the team next season. It’s hard to predict for sure what will happen, but it would be surprising for him to not be on the team.

He has had some big moments this season when he has been given the chance. He has played limited minutes the majority of the season, but when he has been given a starting role or even just big minutes he has delivered more often than not.

His best game of the season was in a home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in early February. He finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals in 33 minutes of playing time. That is a career-high in scoring and minutes played for Rabb.

He was very efficient in that game as well as he went 8-10 from the free-throw line. He was just 3-6 from the free-throw line, but outside of that area, he was fantastic. In this game, he picked up six offensive rebounds which is one of two times he has gotten that many in his career.

His ability to rebound the basketball is one of his biggest strengths and that is an area the Grizzlies really struggle in. They average just 41.5 rebounds per game which is 29th in the NBA. This is an area they will need to do better in next season.

Ivan Rabb has had good moments this season for sure, but these next five games to end the season may be his greatest opportunity yet. This team has gone through so many changes this season and he is one of the few players still around who was on the team prior to this year.

As the Grizzlies end another season they will rely on him to help lead them the rest of the way. If he can come out and play well, it will give him a headstart towards claiming a quality role for next season. It’s a long way out for sure, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff will remember how each of his guys ended the season.