Grizzlies

survived and improved while the moreheralded Wade Baldwin IV was sent packing.

“We treat (Harrison) as an important piece for us both this year and going forward, with his age, his progress last season, and his versatility,” Grizzlies Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Hollinger told The Commercial Appeal.

Harrison can use his 6-foot-6, 210plus-pound frame to defend multiple positions, and while he isn’t especially fast, he’s learned to use his size as a deterrent to opposing players. He’s comfortable playing with the current roster, and he’s developed a nice chemistry playing alongside Conley in two-pointguard lineups.

Going into training camp next month, the Grizzlies have one player too many (they’ve got 16, and the roster has to be trimmed to 15 before the season starts). Harrison’s spot is considered vulnerable by some because his is the only contract on the Grizzlies roster that isn’t fully guaranteed. The team could save a million or so dollars by waiving him. It’s very unlikely they’ll do so, because they value his contributions and think highly of him. But will he be the backup come October?

The rookie

Jevon Carter’s story just got a bit more complicated. Drafted after four terrific years at West Virginia — where he took home multiple conference and national defensive player of the year honors — Carter was all set to assume the mantle of the “grit and grind” guard, a la Tony Allen. Then, as it too often has for the Grizzlies, an injury changed things.

Carter tore a ligament in his right thumb while working out in Las Vegas a little over a week ago. His surgery took place Tuesday, and while it was considered a success, Carter will still be sidelined for at least six weeks. He should have no trouble returning to full strength, but in the meantime, he’ll miss critical development time with his teammates.

Carter was drafted to be an immediate contributor. His defense was as advertised throughout most of his time in Summer League, while he fluctuated a bit offensively. His calling card, though, is defense, and that’s where he’ll need to perform in order to earn the backup point guard spot. But how much performing can you do with a torn wrist ligament? How do you prove to the coaching staff you’ll eventually be able to play well when you can’t really play at all right now?

All signs point to it being a challenge for Carter to start the season playing a backup role for the Grizzlies. Does the team think he’ll be better long-term than Harrison? If so, Carter might get a bit more playing time than expected upon his return.

The insurance policy

Between Carter and Harrison, it would seem the Grizzlies are reasonably covered at the backup point guard spot. Additionally, the Grizzlies signed Kyle Anderson, who, while not technically a point guard, will handle the ball a great deal for the Grizzlies. All of that makes the signing of Shelvin Mack somewhat mysterious.

Mack was signed to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal for the veteran’s minimum. The Grizzlies think of him as a solid leader on and off the court, who can handle the ball and run their offense when needed. He’s not a bad player, but he’s not necessarily one the Grizzlies seemed to need. Unless, that is, they plan on making an additional move involving an existing point guard, or they just want to cover their bases in case of a slower-than-expected Conley return.

It seems unlikely Mack will start the season as the primary backup. But if Carter is slow to return, and if Conley’s not quite ready to go, then Mack will have to slide in. He’ll certainly be prepared if needed.

The verdict

Based on his own experience and Carter’s injury, odds are Harrison will get the backup point guard nod to begin the season. He’s earned that spot, but — considering their hopes for Carter — the Grizzlies no doubt hope it becomes difficult for him to keep it. A vigorous competition for that job, one that historically has been a tough one for the Grizzlies to fill, would make the whole team better.