The Memphis Grizzlies are notorious for having one of the better bench units in the NBA in recent seasons. They ranked second in the league last season, averaging 43.9 points per game, behind only the San Antonio Spurs' 44.1 points. As of November 5th of the new season, they have the highest scoring bench in the NBA with a 49.4 points per game average.
The Grizzlies' starters have struggled to begin nearly every game this season, but an early substitution pattern, which includes bringing in Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward, has added additional pop in the scoring column for the team. Santi Aldama led the team in bench points last season with 12.5 points, and is second this season with 11 points per game so far.
Cedric Coward currently leads the scoring average for the bench unit this season with 15.3 points, which has many fans clamoring for him to start. While adding Coward in the starting lineup would add some energy to a unit that struggles early, it wouldn't necessarily hurt the bench unit if they wait to make that switch when they return some key players from injury.
The Grizzlies best bench scorer hasn't played a game this season
Ty Jerome led a deep Cleveland Cavaliers team in scoring off the bench with 12.5 points per game last season, which led to him being a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf strain that ruled him out for at least four weeks on October 17th. He will be entering the third week of those four this Friday, so a return could be around the corner.
Brandon Clarke has been arguably the Grizzlies' best bench player over the last six seasons, and he is expected to be reevaluated for his knee injury within the next week to determine when he will return. He averaged double-digit points every season except last year for the team off the bench. Also, although not expected to return until later in the season, Scotty Pippen Jr. finished second in bench scoring for the Grizzlies last season.
Needless to say, the Grizzlies keep a good bench unit when healthy, and they currently have one with good health on their side. They will gain reinforcements in the coming weeks to potentially ease the decision to start Cedric Coward or keep him coming off what would likely be the best bench in the NBA once Ty Jerome and Brandon Clarke return.