Memphis Grizzlies: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Trading for Garrett Temple

Sending Ben McLemore, Deyonta Davis, a 2021 second round pick and cash considerations to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Garrett Temple accomplished a couple things for the Grizzlies.

For one, they broke up the logjam that was beginning to form in the frontcourt, removing Davis from a group that once included him, JaMychal Green, Ivan Rabb, Gasol and now Jackson and Dakari Johnson (more on him in a bit). There just simply weren’t enough minutes to go around.

Memphis also replaced McLemore, who has underwhelmed in five seasons since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, with the veteran Temple. The 31-year-old will give the Grizzlies another option on the wing who can knock down shots on one end while locking up on the other.

Temple has worked hard throughout his career to become a better shooter and has improved his success rate from beyond the arc in each of the last three seasons. After shooting 34.5 percent on 3.2 3-point attempts per game in 2015-16, Temple increased both volume and efficiency in 2016-17, knocking down 37.3 percent of his 3.4 attempts. He topped out at 3.5 attempts per night this past season, converting on a career-high 39.2 percent of those looks.

At 6’6″ and 195 pounds, Temple has the ability to play the 1-3 positions and can hold his own against most of his counterparts in those spots. Matt Moore of The Action Network pointed out his impressive work defending isolations last season, although, to be fair, he did so on a limited number of possessions. Still, Temple has shown above average defensive chops throughout his career whenever he’s been given a legitimate role and that shouldn’t change in Memphis.

Adding another 3-and-D option for what essentially amounts to nothing is a huge win for the Grizzlies, and Temple’s expiring contract makes it that much sweeter.

Grade: B+