26. Memphis Grizzlies
Starters – Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Chandler Parsons, Z-Bo, Marc Gasol
Bench – Wade Baldwin IV, Vince Carter, James Ennis, JaMychal Green, Brandan Wright
So, if the injury bug could go away from this team…. that’d be great. *Bill Lumbergh voice*
The Grizzlies trotted out nearly 30 different players last season. THIRTY. If their players stay healthy, this team will compete for a playoff spot in the Wild Wild Western Conference.
At the same time, a lot of the players on this team have an injury history (Chandler Parsons), are coming off injuries (Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Brandan Wright), or are aging (Tony Allen, Vince Carter, Z-Bo).
The Grit and Grind philosophy may come to a halt this season if the injury bug strikes again…or if their bench’s potential doesn’t click.
Wade Baldwin is an exciting prospect, but he’s a rookie and by estimation is the backup PG for the Grizz. Conley just got the highest contract in NBA history so I’ll let you do the math.
Vince Carter’s past his prime and is no threat to Allen unless Allen gets hurt, but can still get up and throw it down. (Look up Vince Carter highlights when he was in Toronto if you’re bored, you won’t be after watching them).
Allen himself is still one of the league’s premier defenders, but doesn’t offer much offensively; but can play longer minutes than Carter so he’s the de facto option for now.
James Ennis has bounced around more than he should have in his young career, but is crazy athletic and was a fan favorite in Miami. If/when Parsons gets hurt, don’t be surprised if you see him on #SCTop10 a time or two.
Z-Bo was tried as a super-sub last season, but I think is better used in the starting lineup to let the bouncier JaMychal Green dominate other team’s backup bigs.
Wright is a great backup big to have when healthy, but that’s a big if right now. Unless Fizdale copies his starting lineup and playing Jarrell Martin with Green, this is my projected bench and I’m sticking to it like the Grizzlies and their aversion to a modern NBA offense.
This bench unit has more 3PT shooting than its starting counterpart, but that doesn’t mean they should be starting. Only time will tell if this is another disaster waiting to happen.
Next: No.