MEMPHIS – If the Grizzlies’ offseason has felt like a dizzying blur of the NBA
draft process, coaching staff additions, summer league development, free agency,
trades and roster upgrades, take comfort.
You’re not alone.
There’s very little “off” regarding the NBA offseason these days. Need proof?
Training camp opens in a little over a month, and we’re within 50 days of the
Grizzlies’ Oct. 2 preseason opener against the Rockets in Birmingham. The roster
has been in transition, with eight new players in tow and six departures amid a
supporting cast makeover that’s nearly complete.
As the month of August winds down, we’ll periodically take a closer look at
who’s in, who’s out and what impact the transition will have at various spots on
the Grizzlies’ roster.
In: Shelvin Mack, 6-3 PG
Deal: 1 year/$2.02 million incoming free agent
Last season: 6.9ppg. (48.8%eFG), 2.4rpg, 3.9apg., 0.8spg in 69 games
Out: Mario Chalmers, 6-2, PG
Deal: Unsigned unrestricted free agent
Last season: 7.7ppg. (37.9%FG), 2.4rpg., 3.0apg., 1.2spg in 66 games
Despite all of the equity Chalmers established in his first stint with the
Grizzlies two years ago after arriving from Miami, it was impossible to rekindle
any of those vibes upon his return this past season. The clutch shots. The
energetic playmaking. The veteran savvy. Unfortunately, that all fell well short
of expectations. After 18 months recovering from 2016 Achilles surgery, Chalmers
struggled in his return to Memphis to regain form from the meteoric rise in that
first stint.
The combination of Mike Conley’s season-ending heel injury, former coach David
Fizdale’s dismissal in November and a season that went completely sideways less
than two full months after it commenced prevented the Grizzlies from getting any
meaningful production out of the backup point guard spot. Chalmers, who had long
ties to Fizdale, was one of seven different reserves the Grizzlies trotted out
at the position by the end of a 22-60 season. None really stood out as absolute
keepers.
Chalmers may still land on an NBA roster once camps open. The experience and
defensive feistiness remain, as evidenced by his team-leading 79 steals last
season. But his age (32), recent injury recovery and declining shooting numbers
rendered Chalmers expendable and replaceable.
Look up ‘Reasonable NBA Backup Point Guard’ in the proverbial basketball
dictionary, and Mack’s photo and career bio likely appear. The Grizzlies have
been in a never-ending search for a reliable option behind Conley, and Mack is
the latest test case. The move for Mack was smart and safe because the
seven-year veteran arrives with four seasons of playoff experience and a solid
relationship with Grizzlies’ new lead assistant coach Chad Forcier from last
season in Orlando.
But Mack’s timely addition may also pay off from the outset should Jevon
Carter’s recovery from thumb surgery this week sideline the rookie second-round
pick for the initial stages of camp and preseason. Mack is clearly a short-term
stopgap, but he’s built for this assignment. His role over the years included
backing up All-Stars John Wall in Washington and Jeff Teague in Atlanta before
he averaged a career-best 12.7 points and 5.3 assists over 27 games after being
dealt to the Jazz to close out the 2015-16 season.
Between Mack, Carter and returning backup Andrew Harrison, the Grizzlies boast
three defensive-minded, physical slashers. None are considered knockdown
shooters from deep, which still leaves a void at that spot for a team annually
at or near the bottom of the NBA in three-point shooting and scoring. Unlike the
others, Mack isn’t a project. He’s as close to a proven commodity as you get at
that price and position.
“I bring a winning attitude,” Mack said during an interview in Orlando last
summer about the qualities he brings to a team. “I’ve been on winning teams.
I’ve played with All-Stars and max (contract) players, and I’ve been able to mix
in with all kinds of players. I’m a leader and I feel like I can get the best
out of guys.”
Neither Chalmers nor Mack were signed at that spot with long-term intentions.
But the newcomer is clearly an upgrade over the outgoing player at this stage of
their careers on the same type of deal. Much like they did initially with
Chalmers, the Grizzlies are hoping a mid-career vet with a winning background
can provide depth and a needed spark. Mack brings a winning pedigree. The
Lexington, KY native won 30-games as a prep senior, twice reached the NCAA title
game with Butler, contributed on a 60-win Hawks team and recently helped the
Jazz end a five-year playoff drought.
The Grizzlies are done with the guesswork at backup point guard. They seek
productive assurance, versatility and reliability. Mack can play behind or
alongside Conley. And at 6-3, he can defend both guard spots in the Grizzlies’
quest to unleash a team full of interchangeable pieces in a positionless brand
of basketball.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Memphis
Grizzlies. All opinions expressed by Michael Wallace are solely his own and do
not reflect the opinions of the Memphis Grizzlies or its Basketball Operations
staff, owners, parent companies, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known
to the Memphis Grizzlies and he has no special access to information beyond the
access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the
media.
Player: Jevon Carter
Player: Mario Chalmers
Player: Shelvin Mack
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