Grizzlies likes, dislikes
Checking up on the team, hanging near the bottom of the Western Conference through 10 games.
It's been 10 games and the Grizzlies (4-6) are hanging near the bottom of the Western Conference. A season with promise has sputtered out of the gate.
It's still early and the Grizzlies aren't at full strength yet and likely won't be until later this month but there's still some good things they've done so far. Unfortunately, without Ja Morant, who is out with an ankle injury, there's been more bad things stemming from his absence.
For now, call this a checkup of where the team is. Here's three things I like and three things I don't like about the Grizzlies.
What I like: Kyle Anderson's scoring and Brandon Clarke starting
Much has been made on Kyle Anderson's shooting to start the season and now it has regressed. I still think there's more to like from him having a career year and being a more aggressive scorer.
Anderson's two 20-point games were a good sign early on. He's having his best scoring season (13.5 points per game) and a case could be made he's stepped up the most in Morant's absence. I agree, but lately my vote could switch over to Brandon Clarke.
Clarke took awhile to get going due to a preseason groin injury but he's getting his form back. His 21-point, eight-rebound, five-assist, two-block performance against the Nets last week was one of the best games of his career.
After struggling in four starts last season, he's averaging 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in six games. His 3-point shooting and that wonky form are a work in progress but I like how much more aggressive he's gotten in other ways.
What I don't like: Too many injuries
Morant's injury stands out but the Grizzlies also saw Grayson Allen and John Konchar go down with sprained ankles. Allen only missed one game and Konchar could return this week.
But it's bad luck that's continued from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow being hurt in the NBA bubble. Add in not having De'anthony Melton for four games due to league COVID-19 protocols and it's been a bunch of hiccups out of the gate.
I don't think it's time to panic or start scouting high lottery picks. If Morant returns at the end of the month, as does Winslow, there's plenty of time to make a late push. Let's revisit after another 10 games.
What I like: The rookies flashing their strengths
I wrote about rookie Desmond Bane's great start this week so I'll be brief. His shooting is as good as advertised and
he's become a quality sixth man so far.
But Xavier Tillman has been a nice addition since he got healthy last week. The rookie forward from Michigan State is a good defender, plays with energy and even held it down as a small-ball center in last week's win over the Nets. He even held his own at times against the Cavs' Andre Drummond on Monday.
He looks like another glue guy who can play well inside. So between him and Bane, early returns on this Grizzlies rookie class are good.
What I don't like: A struggling offense
Morant scored 72 points in two games but there were signs the team depended more on him than last season. In those two games, the Grizzlies were 43.3 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court than off it.
It foreshadowed how the Grizzlies look now with him sidelined. They were held under 100 points in each game of their three-game losing streak and they're near the bottom of the league in scoring and offensive efficiency. A poor third quarter against the Nets nearly cost them another win if not for a late rally.
Yes, Anderson has been a bright spot and yes the Grizzlies are second in the league in second-chance points. But they're not scoring enough from the perimeter and the "Let It Fly" offense is shooting slightly worse on 3-pointers this season (33.2%) than last season (34.7%).
It was expected without Morant but it's still not pretty.
What I like: Dillon Brooks' facilitating and defense
Dillon Brooks was challenged to add more to his game and he's done that. He's averaging career-highs in rebounds, assists and steals.
He had six assists in the opener and it set a tone for him trying to be a more willing passer. He had three games with five or more assists last season and now he already has two. It's just another way he's gotten more comfortable in the offense.
Brooks has also kept up his reputation from last season as the Grizzlies' best defender. He helped slow down the Nets' Caris Levert after Levert scored 19 points in a third quarter scoring binge. So I like Brooks staying consistent on that side of the ball.
What I don't like: Dillon Brooks' shooting
Despite a career-high 17.4 points per game, Brooks is shooting 39.8% from the field and just under 33% on 3-pointers, both career worsts.
It's been a carryover from the second half of last season when he was slumping after a strong January. He's shooting more with less efficiency and it's been a reason the Grizzlies' offense has fallen off minus Morant and Jackson.
I don't mind Brooks feeling a greater need to shoot. The Grizzlies are 24-6 over the last two seasons when he scores at least 20 points, including all four wins this season. But watching him be off target is rough, especially when he's the team's best shot creator.