During last year’s 56-win season, it was no secret that the Memphis Grizzlies had one of the deepest squads in the NBA.
Now, with Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton elsewhere, Memphis will be forced to go even deeper on their depth chart. However, the Grizzlies were the ultimate example of “plug-and-play” last year with Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks missing a combined 75 games.
The sixth-highest scoring bench unit may have been the biggest reason for their recent success. This year, they will be looking to replicate that spark, and there are three familiar faces that will be a major factor.
Memphis Grizzlies backup John Konchar could see minutes boost in 2022-23
The biggest takeaway from the De’Anthony Melton trade was not the draft picks he was traded for, but the trust the front office had in John Konchar. The Grizzlies didn’t need to draft a replacement for De’Anthony, because they already had one.
Last year, these two players played similar roles with differing opportunities. Melton found himself in the rotation most nights, while Konchar would be in and out of the lineup. However, both players built their foundation on their hustle. Melton has the edge athletically, but Konchar provides the effort without the turnovers. He also rebounds the ball at an elite level for his size, hence his 17-rebound game last January.
Along with his hustle, Konchar fits the build around Ja Morant. Zach Kleiman appears to have made it a point of emphasis to surround the All-NBA point guard with 40% or better three-point shooters. Konchar falls under the category where he shot over 41% last season.
As much as Grizzlies fans love De’Anthony Melton, John Konchar will be the name that comes to mind when it comes to team favorites, especially with his newfound bigger role.