3 starting small forward options for Grizzlies heading into 2023-24
By Mark Nilon
![Oct 29, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins points to the bench in a game against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Oct 29, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins points to the bench in a game against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/89c7c394407984b7a2367695825b963e4f6540a173a82f3c2ab9a0f5370196c1.jpg)
1. OG Anunoby
If the Grizzlies truly wish to thrust themselves higher in the title-contender category, they may want to try and make one more splashy move. Said move could be a trade for budding star wing, OG Anunoby.
Recently, some such as Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes have suggested that Memphis should consider contacting the Toronto Raptors in an effort to acquire All-NBA talent Pascal Siakam, but there are many reasons why such a move shouldn’t be high on the front office’s to-do list.
Dealing for Anunoby, however, should absolutely be a priority pursuit.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1593099954104389632?s=20
Already a player the Grizzlies made a “hard run” at around the 2023 trade deadline, the 26-year-old seemingly possesses all the attributes that this club currently finds itself missing at the three, specifically length, shooting abilities, and defensive versatility.
Measuring in at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, since entering the league back in 2017 Anunoby has only managed to improve with every passing year and, over the last two seasons, has posted stellar two-way averages of 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and just shy of a block while shooting 46.1 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from deep.
Adding him to this starting lineup would not only give the Grizzlies one of the most menacing defensive trio in the association consisting of him, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. but it would also add yet another promising young talent to their collection that not only would make them lethal title contenders in 2023-24, but for the many years to come.