OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark
211. . 16-16. Previous: 17th. Memphis Grizzlies. 17. team
Memphis Grizzlies:
Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Wizards 125-111
Lost to: Bucks 111-112
Week 12 opponents: Wizards, Nuggets, @Thunder
Offense: (110.3) 19th
Defense: (109.4) 8th
Net: (Plus +0.8) 11th
For the second consecutive campaign, the Memphis Grizzlies are defying the odds of staying in games they shouldn’t. Memphis utilizes a cast of youngsters who were predominately selected late in the first round or second round of drafts.
- De’Anthony Melton – 46th
- Dillon Brooks – 45th
- Xavier Tillman Sr. – 35th
- Kyle Anderson – 30th
- Desmond Bane – 30th
- Tyus Jones – 24th
- Gorgui Dieng – 21st
- Brandon Clare – 21st
- Grayson Allen – 21st
- John Konchar – undrafted
- Jontay Porter – undrafted
The exceptions are Ja Morant (2nd), Jonas Valanciunas (5th), Justice Winslow (10th), and still to play this season Jaren Jackson Jr. (4th). Winslow made his Grizzlies debut on February 20th appearing in six games prior to the break. He’s averaged 9.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
After so much time off the court, it’s logically taking him time to get back in rhythm but each game offers hints of his increased comfort level. In the last three games for example he witnessed increased production with averages of 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block.
Memphis was playing well entering the break and are the clear paint masters of the league posting an incredible 55.3 points in this area per game.
Every youngster will be needed in the second half as the Grizzlies are one of two clubs who’ll have to play 40 games (Spurs) to reach the 72 required. That includes 11 back-to-back sets.
Fortunately, the Grizzlies expect to get Jackson Jr. back in the second half. Although no timeline has been offered JJJ is working with the team in some aspects of the practices and ramping up his rehab. They’ll need him sooner than later if they want to be in the mix to nab one of the play-in seeds.