The Memphis Grizzlies may not have been all that active during this offseason aside from June's NBA Draft, but many of their former players were seen heading on the move and toward different situations.
From trades to free agency, many past members of the Grind City community were seen hitting the road toward fresher ventures.
While some may be heading toward an end-of-the-bench role with their new environments -- Trey Jemison with the New Orleans Pelicans, for instance -- others could actually be set for rather impressive showings in 2024-25, with three, in particular, who could endure breakout campaigns.
Ex-Grizzlies Player No. 1) De'Anthony Melton
Ever since departing from the Grizzlies via the infamous Danny Green deal in 2022, De'Anthony Melton has seemingly fallen farther and farther away from the rising star and sixth-man extraordinaire status he had established out in Grind City.
Perhaps due to the fact that he had joined the ready-made title hopeful with the Philadelphia 76ers, since arriving in the City of Brotherly love the sparkplug combo guard's talents have seemingly been overshadowed by the talents and expectations surrounding him and the ball club.
Now, joining on with the aging Warriors who are fresh off a playoff-less 2023-24 and, following the loss of Klay Thompson this summer, there's an argument to be made that Melton's services will be more valued than when with any of his previous stops throughout his six season in the association.
De'Anthony Melton forces the turnover and splashes the 3⃣!#NBAPreseason is live on NBA TV.
— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2022
Start your 7-day Free Trial:
📲 https://t.co/rtPKXguol7 pic.twitter.com/dmFUjAQV2Q
While no one can replace the impact Thompson had on this Dubs team, with his ability to play both ends of the floor and splash home shots from deep at a highly consistent rate, there's a chance Melton may be viewed as the most likely of their current crop of two-guards to, at the very least, soften the blow of his departure.
Since 2020-21, Melton has found himself posting impressive per-game averages of 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and half a block while shooting 38.3 percent from distance on a respectable 5.0 attempts a night.
Coming off an injury-plagued season (registered just 33 games played), the 26-year-old is likely looking to bounce back in a big way alongside the likes of still-hungry Hall of Famers Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and his skill set coupled with the needs of this Warriors team what with the departure of Thompson could lead to a tremendous season for the former Grizzlies favorite.