3. Vets: Will Barton, Rudy Gay
If anything is clear after all the on and off-court antics the Grizzlies went through this season, it’s that they need more veteran leadership. Apart from Steven Adams, and a short stint from Danny Green, Memphis has no vets.
This team more than anything needs guys that provide guidance off the court, rather than actual help on the court. One guy who can do a bit of both is Will Barton.
Barton is someone who would be entering his 12th year in the league, and many players have spoken up about how he’s been a great mentor for them, including Bones Hyland. Barton is still someone who has some left in the tank as a palyer as well. This year he was pretty rocky, but last year he averaged 15 points per game for the Denver Nuggets. Barton also played college in Memphis, so a reunion for the last few years of his career seems like a great fit.
Barton is a free agent this year and has an opportunity to get good minutes with the Grizzlies. Considering the Memphis connection, a $5 million/year deal should get the job done.
Another veteran who would be a match made in heaven for the Grizzlies is Rudy Gay. Gay is almost 37 years old and just had the worst season of his career. Despite this fact, he has a lot to provide this Memphis organization that has nothing to do with his individual skill.
Ten years ago, Rudy himself was a fantastic young player for the Grizzlies. With a young team right now that has lots of learning to do, Gay can be a leader that I believe guys like Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. can relate to. And of course for Rudy and every Grizzlies fan, it would be great to see him put on a Grind City uniform one more time.