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5 Things Memphis Grizzlies Can Learn from Toronto Raptors’ Path to NBA Finals

By AJ Salah

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies /

Find Fringe Value

One thing the Memphis Grizzlies have consistently done well for a decade is mine top results out of fringe talent. Most of the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” core fits this very mold. Marc Gasol; the untouted late draft pick. Zach Randolph; the would-be star whose off-court issues outweighed his talent. Tony Allen; the defensive wonder with no jumper whom the league was suddenly trending away from.

More recently, they unearthed two-way sparkplug Dillon Brooks deep in 2017’s second round, and resurrected Tyreke Evans‘ career (before it was tragically derailed again).

Even last year’s additions of Bruno Caboclo and Joakim Noah were the type of something-from-nothing discoveries that teams in small markets need to stay ahead.

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Memphis must stick by this hungry ethos, as they develop two coveted prospects together for perhaps the first time ever. Toronto is a prime example of how such a mentality can succeed. Kawhi Leonard may have gotten them to the NBA Finals, but there are once-fringe players all around him.

Fred VanVleet was an undrafted rookie who grinded a roster spot out of Summer League. Pascal Siakam was a 27th overall pick. Delon Wright, likely the key piece in the Gasol trade, was drafted 20th overall. OG Anunoby, a defensive beast who has been sidelined for the NBA Playoffs, was drafted 23rd overall. Even Kyle Lowry was a fringe starting point guard — ask Memphis Grizzlies fans — before gaining stability and stardom in Toronto.

Point here being, you never know where talent may come from; and with basketball’s booming global popularity, it has never been easier for a player to be overlooked, under-hyped, cast aside, or simply in need of a change of scenery or coaching to reach their potential.

Sourcing fringe talent has been a forte of the Memphis Grizzlies for years out of necessity. Hopefully now with two aces up their sleeves — but future draft picks vacated — the sense of urgency remains.

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