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3 TPE targets the Memphis Grizzlies must consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 18: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 18, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 18: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 18, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4.6 Million)

A great way for the Grizzlies to potentially utilize their new TPE could be by absorbing a replacement option for the departed player that netted them the exception in the first place.

One rather cheap target could be Minnesota Timberwolves wing, Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Coming into his fifth season in the association, the former Virginia Tech standout hasn’t yet been able to live up to his lofty 17 overall selection back during the 2019 NBA Draft, and there’s a chance that he never will.

However, a team like Memphis doesn’t necessarily need any more top-flight star power, though it would without a doubt be a luxury. Instead, they could seriously use a player who can hit open jumpers and guard positions from the one down to the three on a regular basis.

Alexander-Walker may not be there yet, but he’s certainly shown flashes of becoming someone of this ilk throughout his career, especially during this past season.

In 59 games played suiting up for both the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively, the wing posted averages of 6.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on a highly efficient 38.4 percent shooting from distance while swiping away 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per 100 possessions.

With his impressive length (6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan), youth (24 years old), and natural athleticism, there’s plenty of upside to Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s game, and the proper amount of guidance mixed with confidence could allow him to become a highly competent 3-and-D specialist in the league.

He already seems to be on the upswing with his shooting stroke. Perhaps pairing him with he two more recent Defensive Player of the Year award winners in Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr. could allow his defensive efforts to follow suit.

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