Memphis Grizzlies: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018

By Tim Maclean | Jun 30, 2018

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 17: Avery Bradley #22 of the Detroit Pistons shoots as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends at Air Canada Centre on January 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

6 of 6

Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images /

1. Avery Bradley

2017-18 Stats: 14.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG

The Grizzlies’ interest in Avery Bradley is no secret following a report by Marc Stein of The New York Times and, frankly, it makes a lot of sense if he can stay healthy.

Hearing that the Grizzlies -- who will be looking for wing upgrades with their mid-level exception -- have Avery Bradley high among their free-agent targets
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 27, 2018

Injuries have played a fairly significant role over the course of Bradley’s eight-year career, with the most recent being a sports hernia that required surgery this past March. As a result, Bradley appeared in just 46 games between stints with the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers.

When Bradley’s right, though, he’s a very solid two-way player and his elite perimeter defense would be highly valued in the Grizzlies organization.

At 6’2″ and 180 pounds, Bradley doesn’t have the size you would typically expect out of a top-tier defender, but he’s consistently been able to pick up opposing teams’ best perimeter player and either limit them or shut them down completely. His presence would be huge for Conley on that end of the floor as he eases his way back into things following heel surgery.

Offensively, Bradley is a solid 3-point shooter and has flirted with 40 percent conversion rates in three different seasons. He’s also a weapon on dribble-handoffs where he’s been known to fly around the screen and into a one-dribble pull-up from the mid-range.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Again, his health should be a concern for Memphis, but if he bounces back from yet another injury he could be a really valuable player for the Grizz on the perimeter.

Home/Memphis Grizzlies