The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at 20-33, facing a steep uphill battle to make the Play-In Tournament. Yet, the return of Kyle Anderson brings a silver lining to the season, offering a guiding hand to the young talent in Memphis, even if the wins remain elusive.
Reflecting on the 2021-22 season, the Grizzlies' progress was stunted by a lack of seasoned veterans to support their youthful core. Enter Kyle Anderson-his reunion with the team marks a positive shift towards balancing experience with potential.
In his 12th season, Anderson continues to be a steady contributor off the bench, averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. After 20 appearances in Utah, he's now back in Memphis, where his influence extends beyond stats. His leadership is poised to be a cornerstone for the Grizzlies' budding roster.
The Grizzlies are embarking on a new chapter in their franchise history, especially following the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. This transition highlights the abundance of young forwards on the team.
GG Jackson II, despite being in his third season, remains the youngest at 21. Meanwhile, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, and Taylor Hendricks are all just 22.
These young forwards have shown glimpses of their potential, yet there's ample room for growth. While the Grizzlies boasted a robust defense with center Zach Edey, perimeter defense has been a challenge in his absence. Here, Kyle Anderson's veteran presence becomes invaluable.
Jaylen Wells has emerged as one of the team's stronger defenders, and GG Jackson II has made notable strides defensively. Cedric Coward, with his raw talent, has the makings of a great defender but needs consistency. Learning from Anderson could be the catalyst these players need to elevate their perimeter defense.
As the Grizzlies navigate this rebuilding phase, surrounding their young talent with the right veterans is crucial. Kyle Anderson is an ideal starting point to nurture the development of the team's young forwards. While more veterans like Anderson will be necessary as the rebuild progresses, his current impact could significantly accelerate the Grizzlies' journey back to competitiveness.