Memphis Grizzlies: Five Big Preseason Questions
By AJ Salah
Which Big Man Combos are Most Effective?
The Memphis Grizzlies have an interesting frontcourt situation to piece together this season.
After locking up Jonas Valanciunas for the next three years, they now have an effective array of options to go either big with JV lumbering around, or small with Jaren Jackson Jr at the five. While having sizing options as the NBA semi-trends away form small ball is appealing, big lineups could also serve as a slight impediment.
Despite JV’s effectiveness last year, Memphis should want to go small when feasible for two big reasons:
a) Test Jackson’s chops as a stretch-five, and create more spacing for Ja Morant without JV glued to the low block
b) Unlock Brandon Clarke, whose minutes will be very difficult to overlap with Valanciunas’
Memphis will have to pick its spots in not roughing up Jackson against low-post brutes, but there is too much potential to not probe. A Jackson/Clarke/Caboclo triad could develop into a nightmare frontcourt on D.
Also unsolved will be the fate of Ivan Rabb, who had an encouraging 2018-19 season. He could stand to bulk up a bit, but his energy and efficiency around the rim should earn him a look as a third big on a lottery team.