It feels like the Grizzlies' biggest need every season of its existence has been shooting, and that became glaring again during their first-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They shot 30.4% from three as a team in their four-game sweep that made them the first team eliminated from the playoffs.
Their two best shooters struggled mightily as Desmond Bane shot 21.9% from three and Luke Kennard shot 22.2% from three in the series. With Kennard unlikely to return to the team this summer when he reaches unrestricted free agency for the second straight offseason, the team will look to replace him with another shooter.
Upcoming second-year pro Cam Spencer is the leading candidate to replace Kennard after shooting 43.9% from three on 8.2 attempts per game in the G League with the Memphis Hustle this past season. Another prospect the team drafted and stashed overseas a couple of seasons ago was rumored to be considering a move to the NBA with the Grizzlies this offseason.
However, an injury scare almost prevented that possibility from becoming a reality, if it does become a reality. Tarik Biberovic got promising news from a scary looking injury that keeps his NBA dreams alive for the time being.
Biberovic suffered an ACL Sprain
Roughly a week after rumors swirled that Tarik Biberovic might be looking to sign with the Grizzlies this summer, he suffered what many feared to be a torn ACL in Game 1 of the Turkish League quarterfinals with Fenerbahce. He had to be carried off the court after suffering the non-contact injury that felt on par for the Grizzlies fanbase that's seen many injuries on their team.
However, he was diagnosed with an ACL sprain following the scare that will sideline him for three to four weeks. The possibility of adding him to the roster this summer would be a welcome addition as he checks off the box for the team's need for additional shooters.
He shot 44.4% from three on 559 total attempts over the last two seasons with Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague. That type of marksmanship will be welcome for depth purposes to a team that won't be able to avoid the stifling defensive unit the Thunder possess as the best the Western Conference has to offer.
Additionally, Ja Morant's strength as a creator off the dribble and the presence he has with the defense focusing on him would make his life easier with sharpshooters. The Grizzlies made an investment in Biberovic in the second round of the draft two years ago, and he presents an answer to one of their biggest needs this offseason.