Should Tyus Jones find a lucrative deal in free agency this summer, the Grizzlies may have a ready-made replacement on the roster in De’Anthony Melton, writes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Melton was a solid contributor for Memphis this season, averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals on .404/.374/.750 shooting in 73 regular season games (22.7 minutes). He’s also an impressive, versatile defender capable of playing both guard positions.
Melton’s postseason stats dropped off considerably, as he averaged 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal on .323/.250/.750 shooting in 10 games (17 minutes). Still, he’s only 23 years old and certainly looks capable of continued improvement.
“Ball-handling, getting that one-two go-to getting my shot off,” Melton said when naming offseason improvements. “I think I realized how effective my jump-shooting is this year. I just got to learn how to get to it more and get to it more efficiently.”
Here’s more from the Southwest Division:
- The Grizzlies had a wildly successful season despite falling to the Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals, finishing with a 56-26 regular season record — the second-best mark in the NBA — after many predicted they’d be in the play-in tournament prior to the season. They also have the flexibility to make major moves this summer if they so choose, with a great young roster, cap space, all of their own future first-round picks, and the Nos. 22, 29, and 47 picks in the upcoming draft. Yet all that flexibility might lead to a quiet offseason, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic, who reports that the team has informed agents it intends to either select a draft-and-stash prospect or a two-way player with the 47th pick due to a lack of roster spots.
- In an interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Rockets coach Stephen Silas said one of his primary focuses for next season will be improving the team’s defense, which ranked 29th in the league in 2021/22. “I want to be a better defensive team. We just have to be, and for young guys, that’s hard. Hard for them to grasp the defensive end and be able to anticipate what’s coming. To see a set develop and know where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there and be there on time. I want to improve on the defensive end,” Silas said.
- In a separate article for The Athletic, Iko examines Christian Wood‘s fit on the Rockets‘ roster going forward. Sources tell Iko that rival teams remain interested in Wood’s services despite his sometimes childish behavior, which makes sense considering the 26-year-old averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds on .501/.390/.623 shooting in ’21/22. He’ll be on an expiring $14.3MM contract next season.
Wood and Wall both hold nearly half the Rockets payroll. Teams will show interest in Gordon, Wood, and Wall. But Wood interest is probably higher but Rockets asking price is pretty high. Wall will only get moved if he restructures his remaining contract. Gordon won’t be moved because he is a declining player and barely a 3 and D guy he once was. I think all 3 ride out the last year of their contracts in Houston. It gives a bigger log jam at the guard positions with KPJ, Green, and Christopher getting the minutes. Guys like Nix are waiting in the wings for a chance to get playing time. Gordon and Wall with KPJ, Green, and Christopher, knocks out any chance another young guard plays. It’s a huge problem for the Rockets. Wood on the other hand, even if the Rockets draft a forward or center, they could use him with Tate Jr and Sengun with the possibility of a 2022 draft pick in the mix too. That 2021 first round drafts of Green, Sengun, and Christopher is a nice way to start the rebuild. All 3 did better than I thought offensively but done as I expected defensively. These young guys need to learn to play defense if they are going to make any improvement next year. Too many turnovers and lack of defense really hurt themselves and the team. It was ugly, but bitter sweet to watch them play. Here’s hope that they improve their ball handling skills and learn some defense
It’s probably time for Mem to commit some chips to the pot here
1 problem is see presenting itself to all buying teams is the lack of sellers. The play in has really changed this up a little Imo….Less sellers
I see a strong sellers market for the few teams that do decide to sell . This might give a little bump to guys like Brogdon Randle DLo Wood in the market. Lotta teams clamoring for that 1 player but that 1 player just won’t be there in most instances. Id want to be moving early if that was the goal this offseason, the market’s going to dry up real fast real quick. We will see some pretty cool deals/movements but there’s gonna be a lotta teams left standing when the music goes out in this limited offseason