Memphis Grizzlies: 3 big questions following the 2019 All-Star break

1. How much are the young guys going to play?

This question largely depends on the answer to the previous question, but we still could see the early signs of a Memphis youth moment coming up. If Mike Conley rests, we could see other veterans like C.J. Miles, Joakim Noah, Chandler Parsons, Justin Holiday and Avery Bradley all take more of a backseat role with the team.

Jaren Jackson Jr., the team’s prized rookie, has seen his minutes increase since the start of the year and he’s averaging nearly 30 minutes a game in February. In December, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said “you only get one rookie season” when talking about Jackson, when the forward averaged just 24 minutes a game, his lowest monthly average of the year.

Since then, Jackson’s minutes have been steadily increasing. Will we see him average 30+ for the remainder of the year or are the Grizzlies still going to stick to his development plan?

Bruno Caboclo, who was recently awarded a multi-year contract and the team’s reclamation project, has seen his minutes swing drastically since joining the team in late January. In four straight games, Caboclo played 30 minutes, 7 minutes, 21 minutes and 10 minutes. His shooting is still erratic, but Caboclo has been a menace on defense during the minutes he’s played.

Center Ivan Rabb has been a pleasant surprise the past month, averaging 22 minutes in January and becoming the starting center. Tyler Dorsey suited up in the Chicago Bulls game and could see more action as the season rolls along. Could we even see Dorell Wright start the last few games in April if Conley sits?

All of these players fall into the same categorical question: will the Grizzlies give the young players a “try-out” this year or will they still try to put them in the best situation possible while trying to win games?

The team schedule is not too difficult until April, as the Grizzlies will take on the Cavaliers, Bulls, Hawks, Magic (2X), Wolves, Pistons and Mavericks (2X), all games that have a profound impact on their lottery standings.

Maybe the coaching staff could whip up a perfect storm, where the young players earn more time but the team is still competing.

It’s going to be an interesting home stretch for the Grizzlies, one that is worth keeping your eye on.