Summing up Memphis Grizzlies basketball, in a nutshell, seems relatively simple: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Those are the guys who are expected to lead this team on a nightly basis and that’s that.
But maybe it isn’t.
Apart from Jackson Jr., who has been injured for the entire season, the stars of this team have performed extremely well this year. Despite a down year in 3-point shooting, Ja Morant has improved his all-around game.
That said, this team has found unexpected success because of another reason. That reason is unprecedented success from Morant’s supporting cast so far this season.
The Memphis Grizzlies are a top 3 bench scoring team in the NBA
Oddly enough, the Grizzlies’ bench scoring has technically regressed from last season, following a trend that has stretched across the entire league. Last season, their 41.1 points per game off of the bench was 7th in the league. This year, they’re scoring 40.1, a full point lower than last season, and have the 3rd-highest scoring bench in the NBA.
Regardless of the semantics, the Memphis Grizzlies know how to get each and every player involved. Many of their wins have been a result of excellent play from individual role players on this team.
We’ve seen great games from Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, and most recently, De’Anthony Melton. But these bench players aren’t the only guys who have stepped up. We’ve seen Grayson Allen and Kyle Anderson create huge production as quieter members of the starting lineup. The success bug has been passed around to the entire team.
As a result, we’re left with a wheelbarrow full of players who have had a huge impact on this team. Here are the unsung heroes for the Grizzlies so far in 2021.