Memphis Grizzlies focused on improving shooting in 2nd round of NBA Draft

Lina Portman7 days ago

1 3 minutes read

The plan was implemented during the summer of 2022.

The Memphis Grizzlies were coming off a 56-win season in which they took the NBA by storm and were one of the most promising teams for the future. Shooting was identified as a major need after the season, and the Grizzlies shaped their entire offseason around it.

NBA veteran Kyle Anderson was replaced by Santi Aldama, with the second-year wing considered a better shooter. The Grizzlies selected Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, Kennedy Chandler and Vince Williams Jr. After the draft, general manager Zach Kleiman emphasized that the shooting of these four players should open up the offense. Each rookie shot at least 38% from three-point range in their final college seasons.

The numbers never materialized. Chandler didn't last a full season in Memphis, Roddy was traded during his sophomore year, and LaRavia shot 33.9% on 3-pointers in his first two seasons.

So, for the 2024 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies tried to figure out what the summer of 2022 was supposed to fix.

The Grizzlies drafted Zach Edey 9th overall in the first round to address their depth issues at center, then the focus shifted to shooting. Memphis used its two second-round picks on Jaylen Wells (No. 39) and Cam Spencer (No. 53) to help solve the team's 3-point shooting woes.

As a franchise, the Grizzlies have not finished in the top 10 in three-point shooting since the 2006-2007 season. They hope Wells and Spencer can lead the way.

Jaylen Wells exudes confidence as a shooter

Memphis has no shortage of forwards. Williams, Ziaire Williams, John Konchar, LaRavia, GG Jackson and Aldama are among the players who deserve this title. Only Vince Williams shot above the league average (36.6%) from three-point range.

Memphis needs to have better shooting around Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to maximize their current window of contention. Teams have often loaded the paint against Morant and focused solely on Bane beyond the 3-point line.

Wells, who only played one season at Washington State, flourished as a complementary player and shooter. He wasn't asked to be the primary playmaker, which is one of the reasons he lasted so long in the draft. He attempted and made more three-pointers than two-pointers while playing with the Cougars.

Why should fans believe his 3-point shooting will translate better than the Grizzlies' previous draft picks? Volume. Only Williams took as many 3-pointers as the confident Wells. Defenses knew taking down 3-pointers against Wells was key, but he still attempted 5.1 3-pointers per game and made 43.6 percent in the Pac-12.

ADD A BIG MAN: Why Zach Edey? Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman explains his first-round NBA draft pick

The consistency of Cam Spencer

Spencer not only gives you the volume that Williams and Wells can match, but he has been extremely accurate for the majority of five collegiate seasons. He shot at least 43% on 3-pointers over four seasons.

Movement is also a strength of Spencer’s game. He rarely sat still at UConn, making defenses struggle to contain him. In his 40 games, Spencer only finished two games without making a 3-pointer. None of the 2022 draft picks have shown Spencer's consistency and longevity as a shooter.

Wells and Spencer aren't likely to become stars. They both have issues as defensive playmakers and in the offensive zones surrounding their shooting, but the Grizzlies can overcome those issues. Morant and Bane are good playmakers, and Jackson is considered one of the best isolation scorers in the NBA.

And the defense? Memphis has consistently built elite defensive teams under coach Taylor Jenkins.

Offense is where Memphis needs to see more improvement, and that starts with putting better shooters on the court. Memphis hopes Wells and Spencer can help meet those needs.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies editor for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

Jaylen Wells exudes confidence as a shooter

The consistency of Cam Spencer

Lina Portman

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