3 key players behind an unexpected Grizzlies playoff push

3. Jonas Valanciunas

It is no secret, on his best nights Jonas Valanciunas has simply been a nightmare to guard in the post. Averaging a double-double on the season and boasting the team’s best PER, his impact simply cannot be understated for this Grizzlies team. It is no secret that the big man’s defense is at times suspect at best, but by advanced metrics, defensive rating specifically, Jonas is this team’s 3rd best defender and has been a no doubt go to scorer when needed.

His role going forward will not only include being a legitimate go to scoring option and rebound, but to continue to help nurture and develop both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. As the only true center on the team, it’s crucial for the Grizzlies down the stretch that he stays healthy, and the partnership with JJJ continues to develop, and of course an emerging Brandon Clarke, a rookie leader in player efficient, doesn’t hurt to have either. If Jonas continues doing what the Grizzlies need to do, which is to say playing within the offense and being an important defender and rebounder, his stock will continue to rise and give the Grizzlies leverage on which direction they would like to go with him in the future.