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Memphis Grizzlies: Small forwards to target in free agency

By Reed Garrison

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Torrey Craig #3 and Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets react after a foul was called during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Torrey Craig #3 and Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets react after a foul was called during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 24: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons in the in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 24, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 24: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons in the in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 24, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

From a future Hall of Fame scorer to role players with playoff experience, the Memphis Grizzlies have some options among free-agent small forwards.

The Memphis Grizzlies will go into the 2020 offseason free agency period with some established players at the small forward position. With that being said, it doesn’t mean the Grizzlies could not improve or add depth to this position.

Incumbent small forwards Kyle Anderson and Justise Winslow bring a unique versatility to the Grizzlies’ roster.

Anderson adds good size and playmaking to the court. Anderson averaged 5.8 points per game last season while shooting 47.4 percent from the field but just 28.2 percent from 3-point range. He’s known for his slow-paced style, but his passing and basketball IQ are valuable assets.

Winslow can play multiple positions, which is what makes him so valuable. Winslow was traded to the Grizzlies last season in the Andre Iguodola deal, but injuries prevented him from playing a game for Memphis. When he was last playing for the Miami Heat, he was getting minutes at every perimeter position, including point guard. Winslow averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in his last full season with Miami.

Josh Jackson and Yuta Watanabe also played small forward for the Grizzlies last season. Both will be free agents and could be re-signed.

Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, was on the verge of being written off as a bust before he served a stint in the G League and showed some promise for the Grizzlies’ main roster last season.

If the Grizzlies front office were to look into improving the small forward position in free agency, expect them to look at players that can space the floor while still being able to guard multiple positions.

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