The Memphis Grizzlies have not had the consistency they would like at the small forward position this season as they would’ve hoped. Justise Winslow has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t shot great overall. Dillon Brooks is taking way more shots than he should be.
The Grizzlies most likely wouldn’t want to move Kyle Anderson back to small forward after the breakout season he is having at power forward.
It is understandable that Winslow is just coming back from injury and getting back into the game, but the Grizzlies don’t have long to wait for him to get back into shape if they want to make a run for the playoffs. Brooks is the weakest link in that starting lineup that is struggling without star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
Could the Memphis Grizzlies look at the possibility of acquiring yet another former Michigan State star?
Can you imagine how much more exciting watching a Grizzlies game would be if you had the opportunity to watch Ja Morant throw a fastbreak lob to Miles Bridges three to five times a game? While Miles would bring some spark and energy to the team, a lot more comes with him than you may think.
It is hard to guess what the Charlotte Hornets’ asking price for Miles would be, but it may be worth it with the amount of upside and efficiency Bridges brings. After starting almost every game for the Hornets last season, Miles has since been demoted to the bench after the signing of Gordon Hayward this past offseason.
Bridges would be an immediate upgrade to the starting lineup compared to Brooks. Bridges is better and more efficient in almost every offensive statistical category. Brooks averages more points per game, but its only due to the fact that Brooks shoots way more (15.2 FGA compared to Bridges’s 7.4)
Miles converts about 10% more of his field goals and almost 5% more of his threes than Brooks. Bridges is also shooting extremely well from the foul line this season at almost 92%, which is also about 10% more than Brooks.
Bridges is also arguably a slightly better defender than Brooks. While Brooks averages more steals than him, Miles averages more blocks and has a better defensive box plus-minus. Bridges is also a much better rebounder, especially defensively, which is something this team needs.
If there’s anyone that could elevate this team both now and in the future, it’s Miles Bridges. Adding Miles’s offensive and defensive versatility and upside is just too much to pass up on. He could make this team better and more exciting in many different ways. He should be the top target for the Grizzlies leading up to the March 25th trade deadline.