With tons of young talent on the Grizzlies’ Summer League roster, including four second-year players and two draft picks from this year, the 2023 Summer League was a huge indicator of how these players were developing for Memphis. It showcased the many skills they developed in the offseason, along with highlighting the weaknesses that still linger around their games. It showed who could find their way in the rotation, along with who might slip out.
Memphis Grizzlies: Summer League Recap
There are only so many minutes to be had on the NBA hardwood, and although the head coach of the Grizzlies, Taylor Jenkins, is known for going deep into his rotation in the regular season, not all of the six players will be a stable part of his rotation.
So whose in and whose out, and what does the future hold for these six young players?
The Rookies:GG Jackson and Tarik Biberovic
The Memphis Grizzlies the past few years, under General Manager, Zach Klieman have been known for drafting a certain brand of player. A player that is somewhat established and has already had success at the college level. So when Klieman and the organization went and drafted GG Jackson and Tarik Biberovic many eyebrows were raised.
Both Jackson and Biberovic had very unimpressive seasons while playing for their respective teams prior to the draft. Jackson previously played for the South Carolina Gamecocks and had a season worth forgetting. He finished the 2022-2023 season shooting 38.4% from the floor while also shooting 32.4% from three. The 6’9 forward averaged 15.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 0.8 apg.
Biberovic spent the previous season overseas playing for Fenerbache in the Euroleague and The Basketball Super League. In the 2022-2023 Euroleague season Biberovic averaged 3.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg. He put up a similar stat line in the BSL averaging 4.2 ppg, and 2.5 rpg.
Both Jackson and Biberovic are clearly project players. And the Memphis Grizzlies are completely fine with this.
Unlike the 2022 draft where Memphis decided to double down on youth by drafting three rookie wings. Hoping one of them might have an impact on the roster instantly. The two 2023 second-round picks don’t need to be day-one ready-to-go players.
Jackson and Biberovic have a gift that not many rookies get. Time. And from what they showed in summer league, time might be all they need.
The Rookies Summer League Performances
GG Jackson
Jackson had stretches where he looked like one of the best players on the court, most notably in a game against the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Jackson finished the contest with a double-double, 23 points, and 10 rebounds.
He proved in summer league that he can score in a multitude of ways whether that’s at the rim, off the dribble, or behind the long line, Jackson can do it all. Just not consistent enough to be a weapon for Memphis yet, his youth shines over his innate talent more times than not. There were many moments when Jackson looked lost and would make the wrong reads. He also at times would rely too much on his three-point shot to be effective.
The traits the 18-year-old showed can be fixed and he has already shown that he is more than willing to listen to his teammates and coaches on any tips they may have to help him improve his game.
twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1680064106026659840
Overall Jackson has shown flashes, but it looks like it will be at least a couple of years before he has a real role on the Grizzlies’ roster.
Tarik Biberovic
Biberovic showcased his ability to get his shot off and his above-average feel for the game.
He knows where to be on the offensive side of the ball, and he is very aware of how and where he can get his shots. This part of his game will translate to the NBA seamlessly, it’s his defense that will hold him back. Whoever he was guarding often scored at will. He was a definite liability on the defensive side of the ball. If he can figure this out, there might be a real spot on the Memphis roster for the Bosnian in the future.
In conclusion, the two developing draft picks need one thing…
Time.
The Fight for Starting Small Forward Continues
The starting small forward position feels more up in the air than ever after this year’s Summer League. Instead of clearing the debris of uncertainty, the summer league unleashed a mushroom cloud of debris onto the state of the small forward position in Memphis.
The Wildcard
Vince Williams Jr., the 2022 47th pick for the Grizzlies might have put his name into the hat for the position with his impressive showing at Las Vegas and Salt Lake. The 6’4 lanky guard averaged 13.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 1.5 spg, all while shooting an impressive 42.3% from three.
Williams brandished improved mechanics in his three-point shot. It had a noticeably smoother release and quicker release than the year prior.
Williams’ development didn’t stop on the offensive side of the ball. He was a menace on the defensive side of the ball as well. The VCU alum seemingly always found a way to get his hand on the leather. He constantly made his opponents make rushed and brash decisions, which generally resulted in turnovers. Williams did have some moments where he looked a little wild. But other than those brief moments Williams’ development was all positive.
If his three-point shot and defense efficiency can stay consistent at the rate they were in summer league Williams could find a way to get on the floor for the Grizzlies. The starting SF position for Williams is a long shot. But he should not be counted out of the running by any means.
The Frontrunners
The players likely at the forefront of the race for the position are second-year talents David Roddy and Jake LaRavia.
LaRavia out of both Williams and Roddy feels the most ready for the role. His playmaking and ball handling is a step above his peers. LaRavia’s big knock last year in the summer league was his lack of aggressiveness. He would be noticeably hesitant on the floor not taking the opportunities given to him.
This year, his game has been a complete revelation to the prior. He has a constant aggression on the floor and takes all the opportunities he creates for himself along with the open shots his teammates create for him. The one downside of his Summer League was his shooting. LaRavia shot 37.5% from the field while shooting 31.4% from three. It’s an extremely small sample size, and if he’s able to fix it he should be considered as the number one option out of three wings at Summer League for the position.
Roddy struggled in this year’s summer league, especially in the shooting department. He finished the Las Vegas Summer League shooting 16.7% from three. Like LaRavia the small sample size should be no call for concern, as it would be crazy if he continued to shoot at this rate.
Even with a subpar showing for Roddy at summer league, he feels like the most comfortable option out of the three. He has the most experience and has proven he can he can have a positive impact on games.
Junior
His Strengths
Kenneth Lofton Jr. looked like the best player night in and out for the Grizzlies. He averaged 18.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg.
Lofton Jr. dominanted with the ball in his hands. He showed he could score at all levels, including from distance. Lofton Jr. shot 46.7% from three in Las Vegas. He showed improved mechanics in his stroke and an abundance of confidence when letting the long ball fly.
Struggles
Lofton Jr. however struggled with a number of things in the summer league. He struggled with fouling constantly, guarding pick and rolls, and turning the ball over. But despite the many things he struggled with Lofton should be able to get minutes solely based on his offensive game.
Where He could be Used?
The microwave role fits his current game to a tee. He could be inserted into the game off the bench for a short stretch and used as the main offensive threat. This would fit Lofton Jr. because he excels at being the number one option on the floor, as he has shown in the G-league and in the Summer League.
In conclusion, Lofton’s role on the Memphis Grizzlies comes down to capable defense. For now, a limited role off the bench, as the number one scoring option, seems like the best mode of operation until Lofton’s defense is not a liability.
A Promising Future in Memphis
All of the players mentioned have a chance to one day have a spot and have an impact on the Memphis roster. And although the Memphis Grizzlies’ future is already bright, it’s up to this monsoon of young talent if they can brighten the Memphis horizon even more.
