Early on Monday, the Memphis Grizzlies waived veteran point guard Derrick Rose in a move that nobody saw coming. Now in the 12th hour of his career, the 35-year-old is no longer an MVP candidate. In fact, those days ended after his infamous ACL tear.
Because of his decline, a role as Ja Morant’s backup wasn’t even guaranteed.
Indeed, 23-year-old point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. may have been pushing Rose for minutes. Last season, he showed out after injuries to his teammates led to his door opening. In 21 games (16 starts), the Vanderbilt product averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His 3-point percentage (.417) was sizzling like fajitas at a local Tex-Mex restaurant.
Numbers aside, Pippen is savvy. Crafty. Underrated.
More Details Come To Light About Grizzlies-Derrick Rose Split
Pippen breathing down his neck may have played a part in why Rose asked the Grizzlies to buy him out of his contract. Like many other players who are past their prime, he wants to be more than a locker room leader. The former face of the Chicago Bulls wants to actually play.
Derrick Rose and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a buyout after Rose asked to be let out of his contract, a source confirms.
Memphis should have the opportunity moving forward to add another player later. Scotty Pippen Jr. also impressed this summer.
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) September 23, 2024
With Rose leaving, there are now two openings on the 15-man roster. That doesn’t mean the Grizzlies will promote Pippen, converting his two-way deal to a standard contract. However, there’s a legitimate chance that’s one of Memphis’s next moves.
The return of defensive menace Marcus Smart is not to be forgotten either.
Last season, Smart was a starter for the Grizzlies after being acquired from the Boston Celtics. This was largely due to the team’s desire to replace former starting small forward Dillon Brooks, another defensive stalwart. Nonetheless, Smart’s woes from beyond the arc and the positional limitations his height presents make him an awkward fit in the first unit.
Instead of starting, he may play more of a sixth man role next season. It would be a better use of his playmaking abilities at least. If a 3-and-D wing like Vince Williams Jr. or even Jaylen Wells can step into a full-time starting role, the writing will be on Smart’s wall.
The Grizzlies are still expected to add depth at point guard though, per Damichael Cole of USA TODAY’s Commercial Appeal.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has been a good find for the Grizzlies since joining the team in January but expect Memphis to target more depth at point guard.
The backup point guard position is the biggest question mark in determining how good this Memphis team can be
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) September 23, 2024
At this point of the offseason, free agency is a bit barren. Nonetheless, there are a few point guards worth kicking the tires on. Among the most popular options is Markelle Fultz, another No. 1 overall pick. If they’re looking for a player a bit more similar to the most version of Rose, former top-10 pick Dennis Smith Jr. could be on their radar as well.
