Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season
By Max Carlin
2. Second round gems are out there
This one’s positive!
Memphis found a gem in rookie wing Dillon Brooks. Brooks appeared in every game this season, averaging 11 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 35.6 percent from deep on 3.2 attempts per game.
For the 45th pick in the draft, that’s damn good. In fact, that’s damn good for just about any rookie.
At 6’6” and 220 pounds, Brooks has ideal size for a modern wing. He’s a competent slasher, capable of both getting to and finishing at the rim. Coupled with his ability to credibly hit from deep, Brooks is just about everything you’d want from a roleplaying wing.
It gets better, though. Defensively, Brooks’ numbers are strong, with Memphis being massively better (6.4 points per 100 possessions) with him on the court than off.
Brooks absolutely looks like the real deal on the wing, and he’s 22 and under contract for two more years, after which point Memphis will have his restricted rights. In a league starved for wings, that’s quite the accomplishment.