Memphis Grizzlies: The best young core in the NBA
By Jono Perilli
Jonas Valanciunas
Although he’s statistically been one of the most impressive players on the roster, Jonas Valanciunas is probably questionable for the future. He’s almost 28, which means by time the Grizzlies will begin to contend, he won’t be as effective as he is now.
I’m not trying to put this negatively, Valanciunas is a much better player than he was with the Toronto Raptors and it shows. He’s proven himself as an athletic beast in the paint and on the boards, grabbing an average of 10.5 rebounds in his 51 out of the 53 games this year.
He’s certainly an impressive player and leaving him out of the future picture is tough, but after this season, he’ll more than likely be out of his prime.
De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton is one of the most well-rounded guards on the roster at the moment, and it shows. Slotting in as a backup shooting guard, Melton is primed to be a solid role-player for the rest of his career if all goes well. He’s not Dillon Brooks, but boy can he play basketball. Melton recently came from Phoenix in a trade involving Kyle Korver and Jevon Carter.
Melton was drafted with the 46th pick back in the 2018 draft, which is also another steal. He’s proven to be effective as a scorer, averaging 8.0 points per game, and as a perimeter defender, averaging 1.3 steals per contest, in 41 games this year. He should be able to play himself a role in this carved out Grizzlies team.
Justise Winslow
Adding Justise Winslow at the trade deadline this year, was a very good move by the Grizzlies. Winslow is the definition of a well-rounded, being able to play forward and guard spots Winslow is a fantastic player who’s just been slowed down by a bone bruise suffered in his lower back.
He’s able to play like a guard while still keeping the characteristics of a natural forward. Winslow has been able to average 11.3 points per game, while being an effective playmaker with an average of 4.0 assists per game, all while showing an average of 6.6 rebounds per game, all in a limited number of 11 games.
He isn’t going to make an impact right away while he’s out, but the Memphis Grizzlies were able to exchange a short-term player who was sitting out, Andre Iguodala for a long-term player who’s determined in Winslow.