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Grizzlies wing tabbed as ‘odd man out’ for 2023-24 season

By Mark Nilon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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With October 25’s regular season tip-off against the New Orleans Pelicans rapidly approaching, the Memphis Grizzlies are running out of time when it comes to finding answers to some of their most glaring questions.

While the most polarizing to this point is inarguably the conundrum of who will serve as recently departed Dillon Brooks’ replacement at the starting wing position, perhaps equally as important is the question of who will wind up making the cut for head coach Taylor Jenkins’ rotation.

Though there are names that should be tabbed as obvious locks such as Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, and, upon his return from suspension, Ja Morant, considering there were roughly 13 players who saw consistent action last season, this leaves several other spots in need of filling.

Now, the process of cutting out individuals from coveted playing time is never an easy task for a coaching staff, but Joe Mullinax of Locked on Grizzlies seems to believe the choice is rather easy.

In the podcast host’s opinion, John Konchar is heading into the 2023-24 campaign as the “odd man out” in Memphis.

John Konchar deemed ‘odd man out’ for Grizzlies rotation spot in 2023-24

"“John Konchar is white rice. John Konchar’s advanced numbers pop because John Konchar’s game is so maliable and moldable with whoever’s around him,” Mullinax said. “That is a plus. That’s a reason why John Konchar is on this roster and that’s a reason why I’m not comfortable saying goodbye to John Konchar. He is your ‘break glass in case of emergeny’ guy. If your young guys are struggling, throw Konchar out there, he’ll be a steadying force. If you have injuries, you could do a heck of a lot worse with end of the bench guys than John Konchar. I just don’t want to see him play in a healthy Grizzlies rotation, especially on the wings.”"

Mullinax would continue on the note that his ideal wing rotation would read as Smart, Bane, Ziaire Williams, Luke Kennard, and David Roddy all ahead of Konchar in the pecking order.

Konchar finds himself coming off his fourth season with the Grizzlies, where he saw numerous career highs such as in points (5.1), steals (1.1), minutes (20.8), and starts (23).

Despite this, however, along with the fact Memphis desperately needs to find answers to their now shallowed-out wing position, Mullinax seems to believe that the 27-year-old should be cast out to the side to make room for the more experienced and/ or higher-potential talents found on the roster.

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