Memphis Grizzlies: A Position-by-Position Breakdown (Point Guards)
By Greg Chin
Nick Calathes
Note: Calathes is listed as a “shooting guard,” but I have included him here as a “point guard” as that’s the position he plays more frequently for the Grizzlies.
Calathes had an interesting first season in the NBA, performing admirably as a backup point guard for the Grizzlies. However, his season took a turn for the worse, as it was revealed he had failed a drug test, banning him for 20 games, extending into the 2014 postseason. Interestingly, Calathes had not tested positive for testosterone doping or using any performance enhancing substance, but rather Tamoxifen, a substance used to mask performance enhancing drugs.
Presumably, the Grizzlies liked what they saw from Calathes, as they renewed his contract for the 2014-15 season. He will have to serve out the remaining 13 games on his suspension, but let’s look at what he can contribute once he returns.
Strengths: Size, Awareness, Defense
Calathes knows his limits – he doesn’t try anything fancy and plays within his ability. This is an important trait for NBA players, as coaches would prefer a player who knows his boundaries and limits, and sticks to them – rather than trying things that are clearly beyond his reach. Calathes isn’t asked to do much when running the Grizzlies’ offense, his role is to keep the scoreboard ticking, and to do so without over complicating things; and he does it successfully.
Standing at 6’6″, what Calathes lacks in skill, he makes up for in size. He uses his size to his advantage on the defensive end, where he averages two steals per 36 minutes. His had 1.6 Defensive Win Shares, and this reflects his importance on defense.
Weaknesses: Shooting, Scoring.
Calathes is a very “one-ended player” – he thrives on defense, while struggling on offense. He averages 4.4 field goal attempts per game, and shoots 45.7 percent. Scoring isn’t something that comes easily to Calathes, but he knows this and plays to his limits.
The Grizzlies suffer from a lack of spacing, and having Calathes on the floor doesn’t help them either. He is averaging 0.3 3-point field goals per game, and is a very hesitant scorer. If the Grizzlies need scoring, they’re not going to find it from him.
Role and Expectations for Next Season.
Nick Calathes is a backup.
He knows this, and the Grizzlies should make sure they don’t overexert him and expect more from him. That said, the Grizzlies can throw together several interesting defense-oriented lineups with Calathes playing either guard position, and make it tough for teams to score.
He provides defense and can competently run a simple offense without much fuss, but don’t be expecting him to be a lead playmaker any time soon.