3 Grizzlies that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
Memphis Grizzlies that should be cut loose: 1. Dillon Brooks
This is the easiest and clearest case of a team ready to cut a key free agent loose in the league. Brooks is a stout perimeter defender that can alter the game. He is 6’7 with enough size and length to guard multiple positions, and he can switch onto the ball. Brooks is in the running for the All-Defensive team, and his defensive contributors are often underrated by the rest of his game.
The 27-year-old was used as more of a 3-and-D wing this season, and he was not happy about it. Desmond Bane took over as the team’s second-leading scorer, and rightfully so. Brooks is plagued by subpar shooting and awful shot selection. He can get 18 per game on 17 shots, and he has not had an effective field percentage over 48.2 since his rookie season.
His offensive game looks worse when adding in his antics and trash-talk. Brooks called out LeBron James in the playoffs only to get shown up by the legend. Then, Brooks refused to speak to the media after three games. The Grizzlies are moving on as much for this as franchise is for his play. Dillon Brooks will be looking for a new home this summer, and it could become a frequent occurrence if he does not tone down the talk.
How will the Memphis Grizzlies improve their roster this offseason? Stay tuned to find out.