The Grizzlies have no time to waste in addressing this major issue

With two open roster spots vacated by the trading of Ziaire Williams and the retirement of Derrick Rose, the Grizzlies have wiggle room to add a proven veteran or two. One of the positions of need for the Grizzlies is point guard, as the team only has one true point guard on the active roster in Ja Morant.

The backup point guard position has been a topic of discussion in Grizzlies' circles all summer and it is rearing its ugly head in the preseason. Former Grizzlies backup point guard Tyus Jones was available this offseason, and some reports surfaced that the Grizzlies reached out about a potential reunion before he ultimately signed a one year deal with the Phoenix Suns because of the opportunity to start.

With Marcus Smart on the roster as the former starting point guard for the perennial contender Boston Celtics, most assume that he will slide over to point guard when Ja Morant needs a rest, even while starting with Morant, because minutes can be staggered. Some have assumed that two-way point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. could assume the role coming off an impressive Summer League and second half of last season showing.

Preseason performance

However, with the opportunity to earn the backup point guard role and roster spot, Pippen Jr. has been less than stellar during the preseason. He's turned the ball over at least three times in each of the Grizzlies' four preseason games. Coming from a team who's former backup point guard led the NBA in assist to turnover ratio, 14 turnovers in four games to only 18 assists doesn't inspire trust for a team that is expecting to compete with the elite this season.

Marcus Smart has turned the ball over five times to only five assists in his two preseason games as well which leads to the question, will the Grizzlies need to address their backup point guard position? While training camp invitee, Yuki Kawamura, has impressed with 19 assists to only four turnovers in his four preseason games, the Grizzlies would be working backwards signing him to be the backup as a contending team, especially considering his 5'8" frame.

Available veteran free agents

According to Spotrac, the Grizzlies have roughly $10,265,204 in cap space below the 1st apron to sign someone, and a couple of intriguing veteran free agent point guards are available that can address the team's need. Former #1 draft pick and Orlando Magic point guard Markelle Fultz and former lottery pick and Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Smith Jr. are available.

Both players are still young enough in their mid-late 20s to still provide high level production with styles that are similar to the Grizzlies star point guard. The Grizzlies have time and room to make a move but that time might have to happen sooner with the early, albeit, minor injuries to Ja Morant and Marcus Smart thus far.