New NBA rule could unlock even more transition buckets for Grizzlies

Heading into the 2022-23 season, the Memphis Grizzlies have even more untapped potential. This potential doesn’t involve a possible Ziaire Williams second-year leap or a rookie exceeding expectations. It stems from the league itself. In the offseason, the NBA introduced a new rule that will benefit the team greatly.

According to a statement released by the league, officials will “impose a heightened penalty (the offense is awarded 1 FT attempted by any player in the game and possession) when the defense commits a transition take foul.”

Essentially, committing a take foul will have the same result as a technical foul. The NBA’s rationale is to “reduce game stoppages” and “increase the number of exiting fast break opportunities.”

Memphis Grizzlies may get even more transition baskets in 2022-23

After leading the league in fast break points per game last year, the Grizzlies could now have even more fast-paced, high-flying transition buckets. Take fouls were the best shot to stop Memphis in transition last season.

Now, with that eliminated, the sky’s the limit. Along with even more Ja Morant alley-oops, this helps the Grizzlies avoid their weakness: half-court basketball.

Recently, I wrote a piece on the 3 toughest matchups for Memphis, and one team included was the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs thrive in the half-court offensively and defensively, which is why they play well against the Grizzlies. Up until now, teams like Dallas could use the take foul to keep Memphis out of transition. This rule evens the playing field.

The Grizzlies now not only have the potential to lead the league in transition points but to far exceed their own record once the 2022-23 season begins.

We’ll get our first glimpse of the new rule implementations when the Grizzlies take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 1 for their preseason opener.