Memphis Grizzlies: 3 players with most to prove with Jaren Jackson Jr. returning

Memphis Grizzlies G/F Dillon Brooks could lose minutes with Anderson’s shift

As previously mentioned, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return could cause Kyle Anderson to lose minutes at the power-forward spot. Less directly, this could mean that we’ll see more of Kyle Anderson in the small forward position. We could even see Kyle Anderson take over the starting role.

Even less directly, this implies that Dillon Brooks, who has been starting at the three-spot, could lose minutes when JJJ returns. As a result, he’ll have to prove himself down the stretch as Jackson Jr. is being reacclimated to the lineup.

That said, he has already begun to hit his stride as JJJ’s return approaches, having eight 20+ point games since the All-Star break. That has included a pair of third quarters that saw him do a bulk of the scoring for the Grizzlies.

That’s exactly what he’s going to have to prove in the next few months — the idea that he can take over a game whenever is necessary for this team.

But that’s not all he brings to the team. He can also be an elite defender. When the Grizzlies play a star, Dillon Brooks doesn’t just guard that star, he accepts the challenge. There are very few players who will look excited to guard a perennial NBA All-Star, but Brooks is one of them.

If he can continue to bring the same level of intensity to the court that he has in the past few weeks, he shouldn’t miss out on too much playing time in the coming weeks.