Hoops Habit
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies: A look at Dillon Brooks’ impact and what’s to come

By Aymin Bakr

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 27: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 27: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pre-injury play

It’s no secret that the Grizzlies have never been a very front-loaded team. They are constantly regarded as one of the most versatile teams because of consistent depth at multiple positions when healthy.

After signing both Kyle Anderson and Omri Casspi this past offseason, in addition to still retaining the overwhelmingly high contract of Chandler Parsons, Brooks hasn’t received nearly as many minutes as he did last season.

Prior to his gruesome injury against the Philadelphia 76ers, which will sideline him for 6-8 weeks, the 22-year-old forward was playing just 18.8 minutes per contest and averaging 6.8 points and 2.1 rebounds on 40.9 percent shooting from the field and 36.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

More from Memphis Grizzlies

Although the sample size is small, it was pretty evident that Brooks can still maintain the same offensive effectiveness as last season if given the chance. Out of the 11 games he played, he only took more than 10 shots twice.

The first instance against the Phoenix Suns saw the young forward post 17 points on a scorching hot 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc in 29 minutes of play.

The second situation came against the Golden State Warriors in which Brooks poured in 18 points on an effective 6-of-13 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 shooting from behind the 3-point line in just 24 minutes.

Brooks played well as a starter last year on an underhanded team in the middle of a tank. While the expectation isn’t for him to be a full-blown starter that’s a top-three scoring option, he’ll eventually need to take priority over guys like the Parsons.

His effectiveness has been limited thus far, but the two aforementioned games give some credence to the fact that he can still play at a high level offensively if given the chance. In the future, he can prove a valuable asset if used correctly.

Home/Memphis Grizzlies