3 Intriguing Lineup Options for the Memphis Grizzlies Amid NBA Free Agency
Lineup No. 1
The first lineup is what I project (and hope) to be the starting lineup at the start of the 2019-20 season if the Grizzlies waive Avery Bradley‘s contract and fail to sign restricted free agent Delon Wright after the 26-year-old finished the past season with strong numbers.
Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas would make an exciting starting five for the rebuilding Memphis side. Plus, they would have a high defensive upside.
Brooks is a capable defender who missed most of last season, but improved his three-point percentage to 37.5% in the 18 games he suited up for the Memphis side. It would be a mistake to sleep on his promising rookie season and potential to develop incrementally. He is only 23 years old and could be an essential part of what the Grizzlies have started to build.
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Although he is only a reliable jumper away from making noise, Anderson’s real value is on the defensive side of the court. He will be the focal point of the defense along with Jackson Jr., given that both players can switch in the pick-‘n’-roll and defend multiple positions.
Morant seems NBA-ready in terms of offensive ability, but not so much when it comes to defending sizable backcourt players. Brooks, Anderson, and Jackson Jr. can help hide Morant on the defensive side until the young point guard prodigy can bulk up.
Finally, Valanciunas would help Morant and Jackson Jr. carry the offense with his ability to post-up and muscle his way to easy buckets. He would also be the best rebounder in this lineup.