4 Grizzlies who could be surprise starters in 2024-2025

Luke Kennard

Starting off the list is veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who just recently re-signed with the Grizzlies on a one-year, $11 million contract. Kennard will return to bolster Memphis' long-range shooting prowess after finishing second in the association in three-point shooting this past season (45.0).

Where Kennard fits in seems quite clear, for if the Grizzlies opt to go with a starting unit that wants to capitalize on outside shooting, the veteran would readily be available to play at the two or three spot and provide the team with a deadly outside presence.

This type of situation would likely arise against teams that focus more primarily on locking down the paint and running zone style defense over man-to-man.

Kennard can capitalize greatly in these scenarios, as his catch-and-shoot ability can leave defenses scrambling to find an answer.

This was perfectly encapsulated during his impressive career-night and franchise record-setting performance back in March of 2023 when he made an astounding ten out of eleven three-pointers.

With the NBA's ever-growing love of shooting beyond the arc, the unquestionable value of a player with proficiency like Kennard becomes obvious and universally useful.

When looking at potential lineups, there are several options that the Grizzlies can choose to go with in terms of staggering shooters.

If the club wanted to capitalize on long-range shooting while not sacrificing backcourt defensive value in a player such as Marcus Smart, Kennard could be inserted at the small forward spot to run alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and ideally a defensive anchor to round out the unit.

Alternatively, if the Grizzlies are willing to go all-in offensively, they could run Jackson Jr. at the center position, and load up on shooters outside such as Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Kennard to thoroughly space out the floor.

Retaining the services of a threat such as Kennard is an excellent show of faith for the Grizzlies' faithful who still hold serious championship aspirations that seemed so out of reach just last season.