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3 role players who will be vital to Grizzlies’ success in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Taylor Jenkins head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies watches action in their game against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their game at the Vivint Arena October 29, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Taylor Jenkins head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies watches action in their game against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their game at the Vivint Arena October 29, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies may currently be popularized by their top-billed talents in Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane but the club is far more than just three men deep.

Last season, 13 total players saw averages of 15 or more minutes on a regular basis within Taylor Jenkins’ rotation. Now, heading into 2023-24, their depth will be put to the test while the Grizzlies look to navigate through a Morant-less 25-game stretch to kick things off and, from there on out, during their quest to legitimately vie for an NBA Championship.

Memphis will need several players outside of their stars to step up big in order to ultimately accomplish the team’s lofty goals, and there are certain individuals who will prove to be vital during their upcoming journey.

Grizzlies role players who will be pivotal contributors in 2023-24

3. Luke Kennard

The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up the 2022-23 campaign as the 11-ranked offense in the association, though, despite hoisting up the 11-most attempts from distance, placed a lowly 23 in long-range shooting accuracy, boasting a lackluster 35.1 percent clip.

At the trade deadline, GM Zach Kleiman looked to address their underwhelming production in this area of the game by acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the LA Clippers.

Though it took him a bit of time to fully establish himself within the club’s system, over his final 13 games of the regular season (March 15 through April 7) the 2017 lottery pick was sporting stellar averages of 15.2 points on a whopping 58.1 percent shooting from deep.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1639444946062127104?s=20

During this stretch, the Grizzlies ranked fourth in the league in three-point percentage and sixth in three-point attempts while going 9-4 with the wing in the lineup (10-4 overall, making it the third-best mark over this stretch).

The proof is in the pudding when it comes to the difference a self-sufficient sniper can make for a team’s success rate.

With a full offseason under his belt and established familiarity running alongside a majority of Memphis’ key players, expect Kennard to play a major role when it comes to the club’s on-court production this coming season.

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