5 Changes Grizzlies must make after disastrous start to 2023-24 season
By Tyler Watts
2. Less D-Rose
The Grizzlies targeted Derrick Rose in free agency. The veteran point guard got a two-year deal worth $6.5 million in Memphis, despite being out of the Knicks rotation last season. New York made the playoffs but did not have room for the former three-time All-Star. Rose played his college basketball at the University of Memphis, and the organization believed he could be a positive influence on Ja Morant.
Rose is struggling as the team’s backup point guard through four games. He averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 17.8 minutes per contest, but is shooting 32.4 percent from the field and 75.0 percent on his free throws. Rose is 12 of 37 on his field goals, despite making five of ten from 3-point range. His finishing at the rim and in the mid-range has been awful.
Does the 35-year-old have anything left in the tank? At least until Ja Morant returns, they cannot give him extended run in hopes of finding out. In Rose’s 71 total minutes, the Grizzlies have been outscored by 20 points. Take away his positive nine against the Wizards, who may be the worst team in the NBA, and Rose is minus-39 in 52 minutes.
The Memphis Grizzlies should let Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane run their two units, especially with Luke Kennard healthy. Rose is not offering anything on the defensive end, so replace him with John Konchar for size and floor spacing. It will happen on Wednesday night as Rose was ruled out with knee soreness.