What will Jake LaRavia’s role be for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022-23?

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jake LaRavia could be a 3-and-D contributor

Ja LaRavia’s potential impact on offense doesn’t stop at being a 6’8″ floor spacer, either. As a Demon Deacon and during his time in summer league, he exhibited a high basketball IQ, demonstrated his explosiveness as an off-ball cutter, and showed excellent vision as an unselfish passer. He also has a quick first step and the ability to grab the ball and go in transition.

This skillset could not fit head coach Taylor Jenkins’ system any better, as the Grizzlies thrive on back-door cuts in the half-court with a focus on pushing the ball in transition and playing at a fast pace.

LaRavia’s only true struggle on the offensive side of the ball is his pull-up scoring ability and his ability to effectively create his own shot. He shot 29.4% on 17 total attempts on pull-up jumpers last season, according to analysis from Adam Spinella of The Box and One YouTube Channel.

With guys like Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Ziaire Williams on the roster, his inability to do so should not be a factor in his productivity, especially with it being his first season in the league.

Not only does Jake LaRavia have the potential to fit in perfectly on the offensive side of the ball for the Grizzlies, but he also has a track record of being a very productive defender as well.

He averaged 2.7 steals + blocks per game, fitting right in with the Memphis Grizzlies, who ranked first in the league in both of those categories last season. His quick and active hands mixed with his elite ability to play passing lanes allows him to create extra possessions and fast break opportunities defensively. He is also an extremely smart off-ball defender and rotates very well despite his limited athleticism.

LaRavia showed flashes of being able to stay with athletic guards/wings at times in college, but his limited lateral quickness and explosiveness will likely see him guarding true fours right away at the NBA level.

He moves his feet well enough and shows enough effort to be able to eventually stay with more athletic players down the line though, which will make him an even more valuable defender than he already is now.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. expected to miss a few months early in the season, Jake LaRavia’s ability to stretch the floor alongside Steven Adams as well as his potential defensive impact will have him in the running to be the starting four right out of the gate.

Even when the Grizzlies get fully healthy, all signs point to LaRavia having a real shot at being a very impactful role player who can provide much needed floor spacing off the bench in his rookie season.