NBA Playoffs 2017: What We Learned Over The Opening Weekend

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Apr 15, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green (behind) blocks a shot attempt by Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden (7) during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Selden-Used is the Grizzlies’ Problem

The Grizzlies haven’t just had the injury bug the past couple of seasons, they’ve had a colony of them.

The Grizzlies made headlines last season – but for all the wrong reasons. They trotted out the most players in a NBA season – 28! – due to their starters, bench, bench’s bench, the water boys, and the assistant coaches all getting injured. Yet, they still finished with a 42-40 record and the 7th seed in the tough Western Conference.

This season, the Grizzlies finished 43-39 good for 7th in the Western Conference. While they really didn’t improve, I don’t think their issue was defense (finished 7th in defensive efficiency according to TeamRankings.com) or their starters….. well most of them.

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Flashback to when Courtney Lee was on the Grizzlies – he was (and still is) a very capable starter. More importantly, he was a scorer.

Lee knocked down 37% of his triples in the 57 games he played for Memphis back in the 2015-16. As already mentioned there were a lot of guys that suffered injuries, so his consistent play was welcome…. until he got injured and the Grizzlies cycled through guys like Ray McCallum, Xavier Munford, Jordan Farmar, Mario Chalmers, P.J. Hairston, etc.

While the Grizzlies had varied success with those players, it just highlighted the glaring hole the Grizzlies haven’t addressed – their lack of another go-to option; which typically comes at the 2-guard position.

Just a few paragraphs ago I called Courtney Lee a scorer, which is a word that hasn’t really been associated with him throughout his career. On Memphis, he might have well been called Klay Thompson – because he could actually hit a three if left wide open (looking at you Tony Allen).

The Grindfather has long been a defensive stalwart, but his offensive game is about existent as my love life – non-existent. He’s also 35. Memphis has an aging core, and while bringing in guys like Selden and Troy Daniels are a step in the right direction, I think they need to make an aggressive move for a capable shooting guard – I hear Waiters Island is lovely in the summer….

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