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3 most underrated players on the Grizzlies’ current roster

By Mark Nilon

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 26: David Roddy #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 26: David Roddy #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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David Roddy of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up the court. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
David Roddy of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up the court. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. David Roddy

Selected 23 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, David Roddy quickly became a regular contributor within head coach Taylor Jenkins’ rotation and immediately saw himself logging just over 20 minutes per night through the first month of his rookie season.

Though there were certainly some visibly steep learning curves along the way, as the season progressed so too did he and, by the time their final stretch run during the regular season came about it was evident the forward had grown more comfortable and confident with his on-court play.

From March 11 through April 9’s season finale, the 22-year-old posted impressive averages of 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 36.4 percent from deep and ranked seventh in offensive rating (116.1) and sixth in net rating (2.0) on the team out of those who played 600 or more minutes on the year.

Along with his offensive production, Roddy showcased the potential of becoming a true ball-stopper on the defensive side of the floor thanks to his physicality and lateral quickness and was often seen taking on the task of matching up against some of the league’s most elite talents such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

His efforts on both ends of the court certainly caught the attention of the Grizzlies’ headman, as Jenkins recently went on record saying that he’s “super excited” about the forward’s progressions as a two-way player and that he believes he “showed us a lot” throughout his rookie season.

Now with yet another offseason and Summer League under his belt, fans should not be surprised to see Roddy becoming an even more integral part of Memphis’ scheme during his sophomore season.

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