Memphis Grizzlies: Five Big Preseason Questions

Which Wings Fit the Best?

Memphis’ awkward glut of swingmen will have to be cleaned up eventually. Identifying which are the best long-term fits will be a great head start before trade rumors begin whirling around.

Fortunately for Memphis, there are a few easy targets as they clean house. Andre Iguodala’s presence on this roster has only ever been cosmetic, and Solomon Hill’s expiring contract is likely to be pawned for draft picks.

That still leaves more than a few unsettled pieces; both in terms of the rotation, and their future with the team. Dillon Brooks seems like a keeper; a smart, athletic two-way sparkplug looking to rebound after an injury-plagued sophomore season. Beyond him, it’s anyone’s guess.

The two most poignant cases are those of Bruno Caboclo and Jae Crowder.

Crowder is another expiring deal who could easily be flipped for assets. But he’s also a capable defender who plays within the team, and has enough of a rep as a stretch threat to keep defenses honest. At 29, he could be a savvy veteran within Memphis’ come-up; his game is very reminiscent of Grit n Grind.

Caboclo was unearthed mid-last season after the Toronto Raptors aborted his delayed progress. He demonstrated rotation potential as a rangy combo-forward; one of the few Grizzlies to post a non-negative BPM last season. He also quietly shot 37% from three on almost four attempts per game.

Kyle Anderson – a holdover from the Chris Wallace era – could be in flux. Grayson Allen will have to fight for every minute. Josh Jackson can hopefully resurrect his career and give Memphis something after a G-League stint. Factor in Marko Guduric  – who may command a role out of mere necessity for shooting – and there’s a lot to unpack with this wing rotation.