Memphis Grizzlies basketball has been defined by a couple of attributes since the team’s inception. The first thing that will come to mind is tough, physical basketball down low. Then, your mind wanders to elite, disciplined defense.
But something that isn’t often associated with Grizzlies basketball is passing. Memphis has had some strong passers, but usually this team is around the middle of the pack in assist-related stats. Not this year. Ja Morant has changed the team’s entire philosophy since he arrived on Beale Street.
As things stand, the Grizzlies are the 5th-leading team in the NBA in assists per game. The other teams in the top 5 are the Warriors, Suns, Nets, and Hornets. There’s only one team in that top 5 with less turnovers per game than Memphis.
Clearly, the Grizz are doing something right, but they have yet to fully capitalize on their passing prowess.
The Memphis Grizzlies need to capitalize on their passing with 3-point shooting
Something that every other team in that category thrives at is 3-point shooting. Each of the remaining four teams are in the top 10 in 3-pointers made per contest. The Memphis Grizzlies are ranked 26th out of 30 teams.
I know it’s not this team’s bread and butter, but in the modern NBA, you have to shoot the 3-ball. I’ll say it until this team starts doing so. Their lack of 3-point makes isn’t a result of bad shooting either, the Grizz are in the middle of the pack there. They do, however, rank even lower in 3-pointers attempted per game.
A team with a point guard like Ja Morant has the passing ability to get guys open, it’s just a matter of effort. I’ve gone into routes they can take to improve their 3-point shooting, but at the end of the day, it starts with effort.
This will improve when Jaren Jackson Jr. returns, but it won’t magically jump them into the top 10. Maybe Jenkins was just trying to survive without his star power forward, but regardless, he should start to game plan for a higher density of 3-point shots taken per game.