Memphis Grizzlies: How to Address the Small Forward Surplus
By Jack Donlon
The Middle Tier
Bruno Caboclo finally got a chance to play more than 12 games with an NBA team last season, and he took full advantage of it. In 43 games with the Grizzlies (19 starts), Bruno put up 8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds a game, while shooting a very respectable 37% from three-point range. Bruno’s ridiculous 7’7″ wingspan makes him a versatile defender, and he alters a lot of shots, even if the box score does not necessarily reflect it.
The Bottom Tier
Solomon Hill has averaged 5.9 points per game on 40% from the field and 33% from three-point range in six seasons with the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. He came over to Memphis as part of the Parsons trade with Atlanta, ostensibly to balance out the $25.1 million salary that Atlanta took on for the next season with Parsons. Unless Hill amazes the staff during the preseason, he is on the outside looking in, and I would not expect him to remain with the team for very long.
The Question Mark
Josh Jackson was drafted with the No. 4 overall pick by Phoenix two years ago. Thus far, he has not lived up to expectations, but some of that can be attributed to the dumpster fire that was the Phoenix Suns organization over the last several seasons.
Jackson has shot 42% from the field and 29% from three since he joined the league, neither of which are particularly impressive, but he is a rangy, athletic wing who achieved great success in high school and college. It may be that a change of scenery and a competent front office can rejuvenate Jackson’s career, but if not, the Grizzlies have a team option on him next year and can abandon the project if he continues to underwhelm.
Jackson has enormous potential, and the Grizzlies hope they can return him to his glory days, much as the organization did for a certain Blazers power forward who came to Memphis in 2009.