Memphis Grizzlies: Will Brandon Clarke be able to settle into bench role when JJJ returns?

The Memphis Grizzlies have had an abnormal season, with young guys getting more playing time than anybody expected. Most of this is due to the fact that this team has struggled pretty badly with injuries.

Specifically, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s meniscus injury opened a door for 2nd-year player Brandon Clarke to see more playing time. Not only has he been getting more court time, but he has had the opportunity to start in a majority of the Grizzlies’ games so far this year.

Last year, he played in 58 games, earning 4 starts. This year, he has only played in 27 games thus far, starting in 16 of those. His stats, though, have not shot up along with his 4 minute per game playing time and usage increase. He’s going through a small sophomore slump, but Clarke has still done a strong job filling in for the injured JJJ.

He’s done a solid job in his new role, working as a good contrast to Jonas Valaciunas’ sheer size and power. His athleticism has been huge and has given this team plenty of energy to build off of, even if he’s going to be coming off of the bench from now on.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke will start get reduced minutes

And that’s exactly what’s going to happen. There’s really no way around it, Jaren Jackson Jr. is returning at some point and Justise Winslow‘s presence isn’t going to help. Clarke will get reduced minutes, even if he’s playing good basketball.

Will he be able to settle into a bench role?

In short, yes. It’s easy to point to last year’s stats, where he came off of the bench as a more efficient player, and say that he’ll get right back to that level of play. That’s absolutely true, but there’s more that goes into it than that.

It’s my belief that the main contributing factor to his lowered efficiency is a lack of talent surrounding him. That may seem like an extreme take, but this team is relying on Clarke, a 2nd-year player, and Xavier Tillman, a 2nd-round rookie at the power forward position so far.

Jackson’s return will completely alleviate any unnecessary stress off of Brandon Clarke’s shoulders. He’ll no longer be a guy who has to hold down a vulnerable Grizzlies front court, he’ll be a surge of energy off of the bench, giving this team starting-caliber minutes against bench players across the league.

Don’t expect Clarke to just settle into his new role off the bench, expect him to thrive. This bench unit will be no joke with Justise Winslow, Desmond Bane, De’Anthony Melton, Tyus Jones, and Clarke. I would go so far as to argue that this is the most well-rounded bench in the league once Jackson returns.