JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies
JaMychal Green had a breakout season in Memphis, where a significant increase in playing time resulted in the 26-year-old becoming a key cog of a 43-win Grizzlies side. Starting in 75 of 77 games, Green averaged 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game.
Undrafted out of the University of Alabama, Green has done things the hard way in working himself into a key contributor in the league. He exhibits an insatiable work ethic and a terrific level of athleticism both ends of the floor.
On the defensive end, the 6-foot-9 Green has the ability to bang down low with the bigger, more physical forwards while also possessing the necessary agility and quickness to guard the premier perimeter players in the league. This season, Green had 10 games of two or more steals, with a season-high five steals coming during a loss to the Toronto Raptors.
During the season, Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale commented on Green’s defensive impact:
"“He is a part of the identity and the fabric. I think he’s a future first team all-defender. I think he’s that Swiss army knife defender that teams are always looking for, so he’s been great for us.”"
On the offensive end, Green fits the modern NBA style extremely well. This season, Green shot at a 37.9 percent clip from three-point range on 1.9 attempts per game. He had 14 games where he nailed two or three-pointers, including a season-high four threes in a win against the Sacramento Kings. Over these 14 games, the Grizzlies produced a 10-4 record.
Green’s season-best was a 29-point, seven-rebound performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While the Sixers are extremely young and inexperienced, they are certainly short on elite talent. An excellent complementary piece such as Green, who ticks all the boxes that head coach Brett Brown preaches — “defense, pace and space” — could prove to be a masterstroke if they were able to come to an arrangement.
Another notable number from this season is Green’s usage rate – just 14.7. Given Embiid’s extremely high rate this season (36.3), and an expected high rate to come from Simmons and Fultz, Green’s ability to contribute without having the ball in his hands would prove an invaluable asset for Brown and the Sixers.
Fizdale further elaborated on Green’s overall contributions to the Grizzlies:
"“I’ve actually held JaMychal back a little bit, because I feel he has some ability to score more. Finding him some touches can be tough because of all the options we have, but he’s been invaluable. His ability to make open threes, defend multiple positions, loyal, being tough. He’s diligent about being in shape and working on his game, a fantastic complement to our group.”"
Considering Green’s age, role and overall attitude, the Sixers appear to be a terrific fit for the emerging stretch-4, although it’s worth noting the Grizz can match any offer on him as a restricted free agent.