Tomorrow afternoon, the Memphis Grizzlies will begin their Las Vegas Summer League campaign against the Boston Celtics. This past week, the Grizzlies played in three games in Salt Lake City, finishing with a 1-2 record. Despite close losses to the Jazz and 76ers, the performances were promising, and there is additional clarity on upcoming roster decisions. Here are three important takeaways from the Grizzlies' Summer League action in Salt Lake City:
1. Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, and GG Jackson II all thrived in Utah
Just months after a scary fall in Charlotte, Jaylen Wells showed he is ready to have an impressive second NBA season. In two Salt Lake City Summer League games, Wells averaged 21.5 points, and also added 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. While he did not shoot well in the second game, he was easily getting to his spots offensively, and he continued to show the defensive upside that allowed him to finish 3rd in last season's NBA Rookie of the Year race.
Cam Spencer shot an outrageous 64% from three and showed great playmaking ability, adding 4.0 assists per game. GG Jackson II also dominated offensively, averaging 23.5 points per game on 57/37.5/75 shooting splits. Most importantly, GG Jackson II showed much quicker decision-making on offense and looked much more engaged defensively. Spencer and Jackson II both proved that they are too good for the summer league and that they will contribute to this year's playing rotation.
2. Tuomas Iisalo's style has exciting potential on both ends
Since his days in Europe, Tuomas Iisalo has been known for his heavy use of pick-and-roll. In Utah these last few days, the Grizzlies ran pick-and-roll and used off-ball screens significantly more than last season. Iisalo effectively schemed shooters open and created more easy looks for the offense. This is an offense that players such as Ja Morant and Zach Edey will be much more comfortable operating in during the regular season.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were more willing to pick up ball-handlers at full court and showed a more aggressive point of attack defense. Tuomas Iisalo also put more emphasis on closing out on open shooters compared to Taylor Jenkins. Iisalo's defensive scheme should lead to significant defensive improvement from last season and put the young wings on the Grizzlies in a position to succeed.
3. There will likely be a two-way spot up for grabs
Right now, Zyon Pullin and Javon Small occupy two of the three two-way spots for the Grizzlies. The current expectation is for Jahmai Mashack to receive the last remaining two-way spot. However, Pullin's recent struggles in Utah could lead to him losing his two-way contract. This is a potential opportunity for someone on the current summer league roster, such as Armando Bacot or Lawson Lovering, to earn the last projected two-way spot.
Alternatively, the Grizzlies could look outside the organization and sign another breakout player from this year's Las Vegas Summer League. Last year, the Grizzlies signed Jay Huff to a two-way deal shortly after his summer league campaign with the Orlando Magic. With the Grizzlies' need for frontcourt depth, they should monitor breakout performances in Vegas, and they could target someone such as former Memphis Tigers big man Dain Dainja.