Memphis Grizzlies:

Young Core on An Upward Trajectory

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

1/28/2020

The Memphis Grizzlies currently sit in a position most pundits did not anticipate they would be in. They hold the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western conference, while being one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA. Despite their 22-24 record, things are on the upswing for a Memphis franchise that many saw at the start of an extended rebuild. The team has played well above expectations and is led by a young core that has them ahead of schedule. This piece will look analyze the young core that has helped the Grizzlies to this promising season thus far.

             The young core the Grizzlies have put together over the last two off seasons has begun to flourish this season together. As they have drafted players that are now forming a core of players to build around for the foreseeable future. The four players to analyze are point guard Ja Morant, guard/forward Dillon Brooks, and forwards Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. These youngsters will go on to form the core Memphis hopes becomes a consistent contender for many years to come.

            To begin the backcourt combo of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks have formed a talented duo whose skills mesh well. For Ja Morant the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, he has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the league already. Morant at 20-years-old has already become a leader on this young Grizzlies squad and is spearheading their new fast-paced playstyle. Morant is averaging 17.6 points and 7.1 assists, while shooting an efficient 48.7% from the field and 39.1% from three. Showing the skillset to create off the dribble and get to the rim to score or pass off to open shooters or cutters. His defense still needs improvement to be more well-rounded. Though the impact he makes in controlling the pace of the game and making the players around him better are traits that are hard to teach. Morant at times could look for his shot more as he is a gifted scorer, but his talents as an elite distributer make amends for this. He could shoot more 3 pointers also because of how proficient a shooter he is, as he takes barely over 2 a game. Morant is a pass first point guard, but if he continues to find the balance between looking for his shot and setting up others, he could easily be a 20 point and 12 assist player for years in the league.

            As for his backcourt mate Dillon Brooks he has blossomed into a reliable scorer on this Memphis ballclub. Averaging 15.9 points per game, on shooting percentages of 42.0% from the field and 40.2% from three. He needs to up his overall efficiency from the floor. but has shown no hesitancy in taking big shots in key moments in games for Memphis. He also has adopted the role of guarding the best player on the opposing team each night. The 24-year-old has accepted these challenges and has performed at a high level each night. He provides Morant a solid wing partner to pass off to for open shots and hit on great cuts. Plus, he takes pressure off Morant defensively by guarding the best guard on the other team wearing down his matchup. If he can continue to up his shooting percentages, he could provide even more to this already potent Memphis offense. Plus, he will garner further respect for his play on the defensive end around the league as one of the more underrated defenders in the sport.

            For the two young forwards in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke this pair forms an athletic duo that melds perfectly into the new style the Grizzlies play. In 23-year-old 2019 second round pick Brandon Clarke the Grizzlies look to have acquired the steal of the draft. Clarke on the year is averaging 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. This while shooting 62.2% from the field and 40.0% from three on the season. Clarke has displayed great athleticism when rimming running on the Fastbreak, as well as, providing rim protection off the bench averaging almost a block a game. He is steadily improving in his outside shot, while being a constant scoring threat around the rim. Clarke has quickly adjusted to the NBA game and only gets better each minute he plays. With further opportunities he could establish himself as one of the better bench options in the league. Maybe even making a mini run at 6th man of the year, but he as already far exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds.

            Finally, for Jaren Jackson Jr. he may have the most upside of anyone apart of this Grizzlies core. Jackson at just 20-years-old and the 5th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, has showcased immense potential as a uber-versatile big man. He shoots three pointers well, despite an unorthodox shooting form at 41.1%. He is a tremendous rim protector averaging 1.5 blocks per game. He can also guard all five positions defensively and is a matchup nightmare on the offensive end. Jackson is big and long enough to handle most big men, but also has tremendous quickness and athleticism to handle matching up on perimeter players. The fact offensively he can take big men off the dribble, while handling smaller matchups out of the post makes it very difficult to matchup with him on a nightly basis. Jackson 18.0 points per game on average prove that, though he is shooting only 48.4% from the floor. Which for a player of his immense skillset should be much better. This number will improve as he develops and learns better shot selection at times as the season progresses. Jackson also needs to improve his rebounding as his 4.8 per game average needs to rise. Especially being someone of his height, length, and quickness at his position. If he improves in these two areas, he will become a major force as a frontcourt player in the Western Conference and NBA.

            The Memphis Grizzlies with these young studs, along with others like 27-year-old center Jonas Valanciunas and 21-year-old guard D’Anthony Melton have the makings to become a Western conference powerhouse. The four key players mentioned as they gain valuable experience the rest of this season will continue to grow in comfort with the NBA game. They have brought a new excitement to Memphis basketball and are must watch TV, which would have been crazy to say before the year. Whether they ultimately make the playoffs or not this season, this year has already seen much success. As Memphis has found pieces to be apart of a winning core and are already seeing them produce and succeed at the highest level. Time will only tell what comes next for this renewed Memphis franchise.