Memphis Grizzlies: Five Big Preseason Questions

Who Will Earn the Roster’s Last Spot?

Memphis dragged the NBA-max 20 players into training camp, and will have to trim the roster to 15 by the time the regular season arrives.

Josh Jackson can already be scratched, as he’ll be starting the season with the G-League’s Hustle. Likely to join him for mere numbers’ sake is sharpshooter John Konchar, who Memphis can retain on a two-way deal.

That likely leaves four players fighting for one roster spot. De’Anthony Melton is a definite drop candidate; a combo-guard who shot horrifically as a rookie and doesn’t have much size to defend opposing wings.

Also up for elimination is March Madness staple Matt Mooney, another likely combo guard. He could be kept for shooting upside or – as with Melton – a playmaking hedge in case of an injury to Ja Morant or Tyus Jones.

Yuta Watanabe could be a cult hero in the making, but he seems bound for another G-League stint. Marko Guduric is another question mark. As a Euroleague veteran, he might have the inside track on the final roster spot.

Realistically, Memphis should keep whichever of Mooney/Guduric proves to be the better NBA shooter, since it’s likely to be their greatest need. Allowing Morant (and Clarke) to operate in space should be their #1 priority for the early season. Surrounding them with as much shooting as possible – down to the last roster spot – will be key.