Memphis Grizzlies: Five Big Preseason Questions

Who Are Memphis’ Stretch Threats?

Sound familiar?

Shooting has been a historical issue for the Memphis Grizzlies, and the 2019-20 season looks no different initially.

Gone is Mike Conley; an underrated threat off the dribble from three. Jonas Valanciunas replaced Marc Gasol, and regressed to non-existent three-point shooting (28% on 0.9 3PA). Gone are capable veterans like CJ Miles, Avery Bradley, or even JaMychal Green who shockingly led Memphis in 3PT% last season. In their places are…Bruno Caboclo?

The Grizzlies took what was already a poor shooting team and stripped it to its bones. Any new pieces on this heavily-flipped roster are suspect shooters (Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen), trade fodder (Jae Crowder), or both (Solomon Hill, Andre Iguodala).

Jaren Jackson Jr shot well from three, especially for a rookie big. But he will be counted on for so much, and can’t run pick-and-rolls with Morant while simultaneously spacing for them.

Any shooting this team can mine from its upside bank (let’s go John Konchar!) will be a much-needed boost. Both Morant and Clarke will be much more effective in a spaced offense. If Memphis can be better-than-expected shooting, they will ease some early stress, and perhaps relieve some of their urgency to trade for stretch threats.