
As with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Bunson should generate most of his offense from pick-and-roll situations. According to Second Spectrum tracking, Luka Docic was ranked No.1 in the league with 74.1 on-ball screens per 100 possessions. Brunson managed to run almost as many possessions (34.2) as Stephen Curry (34.5). That number jumped to 53.2 with Luka on the bench. This is sixth in the league. Check out the best new sportsbooks for betting on the NBA.
Since his days with the Chicago Bulls, New York coach Tom Thibodeau favored pick-and-roll offenses for his point guards.
In his first season, Derrick Rose won MVP. Nate Robinson and D.J. Augustin was later a successful role player, filling in for Rose when he was hurt.
Thibodeau and Rose have been reunited at the Knicks. Rose has performed well when healthy over the past two seasons. Thibodeau is without a reliable pick-and-roll player. Elfrid Pyton’s inability to shoot made him a weak threat as New York’s starting in 2020-21. Alec Burks played out of position during 2021-22 after replacing Kemba Walker at that point. Brunson should be regarded as an upgrade to those options.
Jones will instead stay with the franchise on a 2-year, $ 30 million deal which pays him as a low-end starter.
Although the Grizzlies may still have some cap space, they will likely stay above the cap due to their already full roster. Jones is an insurance policy if Morant cannot play at any time next season.
In 2023-24, the Grizzlies’ roster could get more expensive as Morant starts what could be a designated rookie Extension. Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams will also be due for new contracts. However, Memphis should be able to bring everyone back without having to pay the luxury tax.
The biggest Grizzlies news was the announcement of Jaren Jack Jr. He will be out of action for 4 to 6 months following surgery to fix a stress fracture in the right foot. Jackson will be able to return in this timeframe if he is able. However, it is difficult to predict how injuries like these heal, especially for large men.
Memphis is short of roster spots, having drafted four players last week. The Grizzlies will likely replace Kyle Anderson, who signed to join the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also have in-house options (including Jake LaRavia’s first-round pick and David Roddy).
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