Memphis Grizzlies: A Position-by-Position Breakdown (Shooting Guards)

Jamaal Franklin

Jamaal Franklin spent most of his time last season in the D-League, playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. With only 21 NBA games under his belt, and an average of seven minutes per game, Franklin found it hard to break into the Grizzlies’ lineup. He may still remain as an unknown to many Grizzlies’ fans.

Strengths: Physical Strength, Energy

Franklin showed energy and athleticism during his time in the D-League. On multiple occasions, he would gather the ball after a rebound, and trying to score in transition. He also possesses alluring physical traits that can allow him to play as a small forward, and knows how to use his strength and size to his advantage.

For an example of his athletic ability, and perhaps the best metaphor for his game, watch this video.

Weaknesses: Ability, Shooting

Many scouts wondered whether Franklin’s game would translate well to the NBA level. Well, one season in, and the answer does not look good for Franklin. He spent most of his playing time when the game was already over, and frequented the bench more than the court.

During his short on-court minutes, he showed a unpredictability to his game, and for all the wrong reasons. He unable to control his dribble and did not utilize his physical gifts to his advantage. Due to his lack of dribbling ability, he was a far less dynamic athlete with the ball in hand, and nullified most of his production.

Franklin will also have to work on his shooting ability if he is to be a productive player in the NBA. He has shown questionable shot selection and his shooting form is far from textbook. Both are areas that need improving from the sophomore.

Roles and Expectation

It is never a good sign when a team drafts a player that plays the same position as you do, the year after you’re drafted.

And that’s the situation facing Franklin right now.

Franklin is a gifted athlete. Blessed with size and explosiveness, he has the tools to succeed in the NBA. However, like many college players, he lacks the requisite skill to succeed. All the technical aspects of his game need to be improved upon before he can be given consistent minutes in games.

Time is not on Franklin’s side, as he is already 23, an age where many NBA teams expect to see results from their players. Currently, he is nothing more than an energy guy that will provide a team with rebounds and some garbage time buckets. His best case scenario is to work on improving his shot making ability, and perhaps he may have a niche as a 3-and-D player.

But for next season, it’s most likely more D-League for Franklin.