As we inch closer to preseason, this was a productive offseason for a Grizzlies team early in a rebuild. While the new identity of the roster is exciting for many Grizzlies fans, it should also be exciting for head coach Tuomas Iisalo. But now, Iisalo must maximize the Grizzlies' new-look roster and take a meaningful step towards proving he should be in Memphis long-term.
Despite having a very strong coaching stint in Europe, it's still a bit of a mystery how well Tuomas Iisalo fits in the NBA. It's hard to judge him too harshly for this past season, given the injury crisis and Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded at the deadline. However, there are fair questions to be asked, especially when it comes to substitution patterns and the minute distribution of the rotation.
Iisalo's game management will determine the Grizzlies' ceiling
Now, despite any criticisms of Tuomas Iisalo's game management, there is still plenty to be excited about. When thinking about the Grizzlies' current roster, it's one that fits Tuomas Iisalo's style quite well. Cam Boozer's offensive versatility and ability to crash the glass should make him an early favorite of Iisalo, and it can't be forgotten how well Zach Edey played since he took over.
Ja Morant was traded this summer, and there are understandably questions about how well the Grizzlies' guards will perform. However, when considering options such as Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cam Spencer, it's a well-balanced group that should provide plenty of capable scoring and thrive with the Grizzlies' frontcourt when healthy.
Cam Boozer, Cedric Coward, and Zach Edey are a promising young core that should allow the Grizzlies to get back to winning ways pretty quickly. But if there is one major question that Iisalo must answer, it should be how many minutes he will play that trio. Cam Boozer should feature pretty heavily even as a rookie, and Cedric Coward and Zach Edey likely won't be dealing with minute restrictions.
But when looking back at the minute distribution under Iisalo with players such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies' best players were playing considerably less than other teams' best players throughout the league. When thinking about this roster, it's easy to see the path to improvement, but the Grizzlies' best players must be approaching around 35 minutes a night.
Zach Edey and Cam Boozer should be a promising duo right away. Cedric Coward should also be able to make a strong sophomore leap. We also can't forget players such as Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson II, Cam Spencer, etc. who can make an impact as well. The Grizzlies also have a strong group of veterans in Ty Jerome, Jerami Grant, and Isaiah Stewart.
However, it will be up to Tuomas Iisalo to be able to maximize this group and put an overall promising young team in the best position to be successful. For now, that starts with improving his rotations and making sure his best talent is on the floor more often.
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