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Memphis Grizzlies: Power forwards to target in free agency

By Reed Garrison

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 5, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 5, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – JULY 31: Anthony Tolliver #44 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles against Mario Hezonja #44 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – JULY 31: Anthony Tolliver #44 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles against Mario Hezonja #44 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

If the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to upgrade the power forward position, they will have plenty of options on the free agent market.

Ahead of Opening Day for NBA free agency on Nov. 20, the Memphis Grizzlies have just one player on the roster who is purely a power forward — and he’s more of a modern-day “stretch 4” style of power forward.

That player would be veteran Anthony Tolliver, who will become a free agent on Nov. 20. Tolliver played for three teams last season, one of those being the Grizzlies, for whom he played 13 games and averaged 4.8 points per game. (He did shoot an impressive 41.5 percent from 3-point range.)

The rest of the Grizzlies’ power forwards are Brandon Clarke, who is listed as a “Forward-Guard” on the team’s website; Jaren Jackson Jr., who splits time between power forward and center; and Jontay Porter, also listed as a “Forward-Center.”

The Grizzlies hit on one of the best picks in the entire draft last season with Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga. Clarke showed with his play that he will be a key player in the NBA for a long time. Clarke averaged 12.1 points per game to go along with six rebounds, shooting 61 percent from the field (fifth in the NBA) and 36 percent from the 3-point line. Clarke also was selected to the All-Rookie First Team.

Clarke will be a key part of the Grizzlies organization for a long time, as he is still on a rookie contract. Jackson is also part of Memphis’ young core that they’re rebuilding around, but Jackson suffered a serious knee injury in August, and Porter has a history of injuries.

If the Grizzlies do indeed decide to add some depth to the power forward position in free agency, expect them to target players that can spread the floor and also add some rebounding.

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