MikeCheck: Roster analysis 2.0 as Grizzlies close encouraging preseason, eye Dec. 23 opener

Memphis, Tenn. – Yes, the puzzle very much remains incomplete.

But for the Grizzlies, preseason success can certainly be measured by the encouraging progress they’ve displayed through each test entering Saturday’s exhibition finale against the Hawks at FedExForum.

Through two impressive victories in Minnesota last week and Thursday’s initial thrashing of the Hawks, we’ve seen clear signs of point guard catalyst Ja Morant taking flight, coach Taylor Jenkins’ system taking shape and the Grizzlies, overall, taking a growing confidence into next Wednesday’s regular season opener against the Spurs.

So far, the Grizzlies remain proficient in three key areas in which they excelled last season at league-best levels. They entered the weekend ranked first in the NBA in preseason points in the paint (54.7), first in assists (30.7) and third in both defensive rating (93.5) and net rating (12.8).

“The fact that our guys are really embracing areas of improvement from not just game to game, but quarter to quarter really speaks volumes to where they’re at right now,” Jenkins said. “But we’re hitting them with the fact that even though we’ve gotten some results we want at the end of the day, which is to win the ballgame, we’ve still got a long way to go.”

Next week, the games start to count in the standings.

For now, here’s my account of where each player stands as the preseason wraps up.

Primary Rotation

Kyle Anderson: When camp opened, Anderson came in as a leading candidate to replace Jaren Jackson Jr. as the starting power forward until Jackson returns from injury. Anderson has done nothing to lose that position, and likely has gained even more trust and confidence from Jenkins after delivering arguably the most impressive preseason performance of any Grizzlies player not named Ja.

Dillon Brooks: After initially struggling in the preseason opener in Minnesota, Brooks regained his shooting stroke and delivered consecutive 20-point efforts entering the weekend. But it’s been his determined effort to become a better playmaker and facilitator that has most impressed. Brooks being second on the team in assists speaks volumes about his new mindset.

Brandon Clarke: A groin injury initially derailed Clarke, who missed the first two exhibitions in Minnesota before returning to the lineup Thursday against Atlanta. While his rhythm is understandably off a bit, his athleticism around the rim is evident from the outset. We’ve also seen early flashes of that altered three-point shooting stroke that should pay off this season.

Jaren Jackson Jr.: While there’s still no clear indication when Jackson will be ready to return from rehabbing his surgically-repaired knee, it’s been great to see the dynamic third-year power forward push through conditioning and workouts during warmups of preseason games. If the Grizzlies can tread water until Jackson returns, they really could take off once he’s back.

Tyus Jones: The high-octane, preseason Grizzlies resemble the squad that hit its stride back in January and February of last season before the pandemic hit. That’s largely because Jones is keeping everything organized and allowing that second unit to thrive again after missing much of the restart bubble action in Orlando with an injury. Jones is a calming influence on this team.

De’Anthony Melton: We’re seeing initial evidence why the Grizzlies were determined to bring back Melton in free agency, and why Melton feels Memphis is an ideal fit for his game. The versatile guard could emerge as the starting shooting guard, but the reality is Melton will produce no matter where Jenkins plays him in the lineup. Mr. Do Something is getting it done.

Ja Morant: What’s scary is that Morant is barely breaking a sweat while putting up gaudy numbers this preseason. Through the first three games, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year is a plus-60 in 79 minutes while shooting 61.1 percent from the field and averaging 18.3 points, 10.3 assists and just 1.3 turnovers. And there’s no reason to believe Ja can’t keep this up.

Jonas Valanciunas: Did you expect anything other than toughness, reliability and steady production from the Lithuanian big man? Valanciunas is picking up where he left off last season as a high-impact, double-double machine – only he’s added some consistency with his three-point shot. He’s knocked down 4-of-7 beyond the arc and no longer even hesitates when open.

Justise Winslow: We know Winslow basically has a starting spot at small forward waiting on him when he completes rehab from a hip injury. What we don’t know is how much longer the wait will be until the versatile swingman finally makes his Grizzlies debut. For now, his insight and encouraging voice are among key things Morant says he’s relied on most this preseason.

Secondary Reserves

Grayson Allen: Jenkins said Friday that there’s still no decision made as to whether Melton or Allen will solidify the starting shooting guard spot, and that it might linger well into the season before things are settled. Either way, Allen has improved over each game of the preseason.

Desmond Bane: Three games, three double-figure scoring outputs for the rooking shooter who is gaining the trust and confidence of the veterans and key guys on the roster. Bane belongs. Simple as that. He looks comfortable on the floor, and he’ll carve out a spot in Jenkins’ rotation.

Gorgui Dieng: Dieng is getting significant time off the bench this preseason because he’s a reliable and healthy big, which is in short supply right now for the Grizzlies. Until Clarke gets up to speed and Jackson returns, count on Dieng to stay ready when called on behind Valanciunas.

John Konchar: After playing both games against Minnesota, Konchar didn’t see action in the first matchup with the Hawks as Jenkins looked to get other wings game action. But Konchar will be around as an end-of-the-rotation option, one who knows how to deliver when called.

Other Rookies and Newcomers

Bennie Boatwright: The Grizzlies are taking another developmental look at the 6-10 Boatwright, who spent last season with the G-League Hustle but did not play because of an injury. In six minutes Thursday, Boatwright hit a trey, grabbed two boards and snagged a steal.

Shaq Buchanan: Among the highlight’s of Thursday’s win over the Hawks was Buchanan catching and dunking a lob from Morant. It was a flashback to their college days as the high-flying backcourt at Murray State. Buchanan is back after playing for the Hustle last season.

Ahmad Caver: Another potential option for the Grizzlies developmental pipeline, Caver brings a competitive edge and a defensive feistiness after playing in 39 games last season for the G-League Hustle and averaging 10 points, 3.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals last season.

Sean McDermott: It’s unfortunate that knee soreness has prevented McDermott from displaying the sharp shooting that had teammates raving about him in workouts. He’s missed all three of his shots from deep in 20 minutes as he looks to develop on a Two-Way contract.

Jontay Porter: The Grizzlies believe in Porter enough to invest a guaranteed contract into his development potential. But recovery from knee issues persist, and we’ve yet to see the 6-10 big man with plenty of upside actually touch the court for Memphis. The hope is that changes soon.

Killian Tillie: Another member of the Grizzlies’ big man group who has yet to play during the preseason. Tillie has been dealing with a hamstring injury since midway through training camp, but the Grizzlies are still expecting to see him progress on a Two-Way development contract.

Xavier Tillman Sr.: After playing initially in the preseason opener, Tillman has since been sidelined by knee soreness. The 35th overall pick in last month’s draft will now have to play some conditioning catchup. Tillman initially had a chance to step into some valuable minutes.

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