Memphis Grizzlies 2019-2020 Watch Thread (#14)

[GreenCoffeeBean]

I can't wait for Morant to start getting super star treatment just so we can call it Ja Rules

[Tr1boy]

Morant looks like should have gone #1

Or its close

[CptZoogs]

I can't wait for Morant to start getting super star treatment just so we can call it Ja Rules

Lol TP!

[smokeablount]

Morant looks like should have gone #1

Or its close

Yeah this was the first game I've seen him in and he looked to me to have generational talent upside considering how young he is, how good he looks already, and the extremely rare mix of athleticism and feel for the game. 

[Moranis]

Morant looks like should have gone #1

Or its close

maybe you outta wait until Zion plays some games before making that statement.  His first one is January 22 so the wait is almost over.

[Moranis]

As juicy as the top of the 2021 draft looks to be what is going to make me feel much better is if both Robert and Grant Williams turn into really solid players, and Langford is a diamond in the rough (plenty of time for that to unfold), and just maybe we get a point guard for the future in this draft (seems point guard heavy after the top prospects).

I think Waters (assuming we're able to keep him - hopefully doesn't turn out like the Kendrick Nunn situation did) can safely be our back-up PG - I'm quite high on him.

I am assuming Waters is on a one year two-way deal. That means he will be a restricted free agent with the QO being another two-way contract. He cannot be snapped up by another team like Nunn, the C's would have to choose not to match an offer.

Ah yeah, forgot about that. Seems as though we're high on him, so I can't imagine he goes anywhere.

Wanamaker might be a goner though

Well it'd be just because the Celtics chose to not match an offer. The QO for him is tiny (and the C's are over the cap anyways) and we can match anything up to 105% of the average league salary with his early bird rights.

That I don't think he's getting an offer that big. (105% of average salary is around 9.5 million) I do think Wanamaker/Waters/Carsen are going to be fighting for at most two roster spots next year. But who knows if Waters even draws a minimum contract offer, he might be stuck on another two-way until he takes a roster spot.

He will be on roster next year unless he is packaged in a trade before, which I doubt. His talent is obvious and despite his physical short comings has demonstrated ability to play in the senior circuit.

Waters has played in 5 games and a whopping total of 39 minutes spread throughout the season.  He hasn't demonstrated anything at the senior level.  And let's be clear, he hasn't exactly been lights out in those 5 games.  He is just 2 of 11 from 3 with as many turnovers as assists.  The league is littered with players that have performed far greater that end up out of the league.  Waters may end up on a roster, but that is most definitely far from a given, especially given how small he is.

I feel like some team will definitely offer Waters a real contract next year, unless all the below was just Keith Smith blowing smoke.  And due to basic roster crunch, not sure if Boston will even have room to give him a contract, especially with 3 more first round picks potentially coming in next year.


https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125701124796417

One last name that came up repeatedly talking to front office executives and scouts about the G-League Showcase: Tremont Waters. Water is on a Two-Way with Boston.

"He's an NBA backup PG right now. I told our GM to trade for him, because he's better than what we have today."

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125701837873152

More on Tremont Waters from another front office executive: "We'd ask, but Boston wouldn't listen. Why would they? Kid can really play. He's small, but smart. Quick enough to get his shot off. He's a playmaker. He'll be on a standard contract next year, if not later this year."

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125702605426691

Lastly on Tremont Waters from a scout: "I missed on him. Big time. Thought was too small for our league. But he's tough and fast. I don't know what he'll be beyond it, but he's an NBA backup point guard at least. And that's valuable because everyone plays three PGs a night now."

Lots of players do well in the GLeague that do well and fail miserably in the NBA.  There is absolutely no evidence to show that Waters can actually play in the league.  A few unnamed sources doesn't change that fact. 

and don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that Waters won't make it.  He absolutely could, my comment was directed at the notion that the 5 game sample demonstrated an ability to play in the NBA.  It most definitely has not.

[rondofan1255]

Pick aside, it’s nice to see that the Hawks and Grizzlies will be fun to watch for years to come

Iso Joe era and Grit and Grind weren’t all that despite some success

Memphis could have really used another top 5 pick this season, not sure just Ja and JJJ and no more lottery picks in a smaller market will be enough

[nickagneta]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

[Moranis]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

He plays outside a lot doesn't he?  Similar to someone like Brook Lopez, correct (who not coincidentally has similar rebounding numbers)?  I don't think I've seen them play that much, but I know he and JV play together a fair amount and he takes a ton of 3 pointers.  And JV is a pretty solid rebounder (at least by rate).  Seems like it may be a function of style of play and teammates more than a lack of effort or something other than that.

[footey]

As juicy as the top of the 2021 draft looks to be what is going to make me feel much better is if both Robert and Grant Williams turn into really solid players, and Langford is a diamond in the rough (plenty of time for that to unfold), and just maybe we get a point guard for the future in this draft (seems point guard heavy after the top prospects).

I think Waters (assuming we're able to keep him - hopefully doesn't turn out like the Kendrick Nunn situation did) can safely be our back-up PG - I'm quite high on him.

I am assuming Waters is on a one year two-way deal. That means he will be a restricted free agent with the QO being another two-way contract. He cannot be snapped up by another team like Nunn, the C's would have to choose not to match an offer.

Ah yeah, forgot about that. Seems as though we're high on him, so I can't imagine he goes anywhere.

Wanamaker might be a goner though

Well it'd be just because the Celtics chose to not match an offer. The QO for him is tiny (and the C's are over the cap anyways) and we can match anything up to 105% of the average league salary with his early bird rights.

That I don't think he's getting an offer that big. (105% of average salary is around 9.5 million) I do think Wanamaker/Waters/Carsen are going to be fighting for at most two roster spots next year. But who knows if Waters even draws a minimum contract offer, he might be stuck on another two-way until he takes a roster spot.

He will be on roster next year unless he is packaged in a trade before, which I doubt. His talent is obvious and despite his physical short comings has demonstrated ability to play in the senior circuit.

Waters has played in 5 games and a whopping total of 39 minutes spread throughout the season.  He hasn't demonstrated anything at the senior level.  And let's be clear, he hasn't exactly been lights out in those 5 games.  He is just 2 of 11 from 3 with as many turnovers as assists.  The league is littered with players that have performed far greater that end up out of the league.  Waters may end up on a roster, but that is most definitely far from a given, especially given how small he is.

I repeat, he will be on the roster next season barring a trade. Dude just has "it."

I don't smoke stats. I watch them play.

10 TPs to you if he doesn't make it, and 10 to me if he does.

Deal?

[Fafnir]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

He's just a bad rebounder. Good shot blocker and okay defender, but an awful rebounder. He doesn't get offensive boards much because of that and he's a shooter who is usually not near the hoop.

Some will point to Gasol and JV as influencing his DRB down, but even when they're not on the court he's just a bad rebounder.

Currently he's basically what people hoped Bargs or Markkanen would be. Just a knock down shooter as a big man.

[nickagneta]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

He plays outside a lot doesn't he?  Similar to someone like Brook Lopez, correct (who not coincidentally has similar rebounding numbers)?  I don't think I've seen them play that much, but I know he and JV play together a fair amount and he takes a ton of 3 pointers.  And JV is a pretty solid rebounder (at least by rate).  Seems like it may be a function of style of play and teammates more than a lack of effort or something other than that.

Tatum and Brown, a SF and a SG, both who play on the perimeter and shoot bunches of threes, have better rebounding numbers. Kevin Love plays on the perimeter and plays next to very good rebounder Tristan Thompson, but still gets tons of rebounds. Porzingas plays tons on the perimeter...9+RPG. Doncic too. Heck, Russell Westbrook is a PG who plays on the perimeter and he gets over 7 rebounds a game.

Sorry, I am not buying the "play on the perimeter" excuse.

[nickagneta]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

He's just a bad rebounder. Good shot blocker and okay defender, but an awful rebounder. He doesn't get offensive boards much because of that and he's a shooter who is usually not near the hoop.

Some will point to Gasol and JV as influencing his DRB down, but even when they're not on the court he's just a bad rebounder.

Currently he's basically what people hoped Bargs or Markkanen would be. Just a knock down shooter as a big man.

That's what I have seen too. TP for confirming what I thought I have seen with him. Just a bad rebounder given his athleticism and size.

Just goes to show, height means little when it comes to being able to play "big".

[Fafnir]

I know people just love and ogle over Jaren Jackson, Jr. but to me, there is something inherently wrong with someone who is 6'11" or taller that can't get more than 4.9 rebounds a game in 28 minutes and has a Reb% of just 9.2%.

And, in the games I have watched of him this year(just 3) his defense has not been good and he looked like a net negative player. Admittedly, none of the games I watched were during their current hot streak, so maybe he has turned things around. Perhaps someone that has seen his recent play can give me an update on these parts of his game.

He's just a bad rebounder. Good shot blocker and okay defender, but an awful rebounder. He doesn't get offensive boards much because of that and he's a shooter who is usually not near the hoop.

Some will point to Gasol and JV as influencing his DRB down, but even when they're not on the court he's just a bad rebounder.

Currently he's basically what people hoped Bargs or Markkanen would be. Just a knock down shooter as a big man.

That's what I have seen too. TP for confirming what I thought I have seen with him. Just a bad rebounder given his athleticism and size.

Just goes to show, height means little when it comes to being able to play "big".

Its also not a new problem, he was the 4th best rebounder on his Michigan St team as well. He's always been weak on the boards.

I think he could eventually improve to more of a Al Horford level of "okay" rebounding but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[bdm860]

As juicy as the top of the 2021 draft looks to be what is going to make me feel much better is if both Robert and Grant Williams turn into really solid players, and Langford is a diamond in the rough (plenty of time for that to unfold), and just maybe we get a point guard for the future in this draft (seems point guard heavy after the top prospects).

I think Waters (assuming we're able to keep him - hopefully doesn't turn out like the Kendrick Nunn situation did) can safely be our back-up PG - I'm quite high on him.

I am assuming Waters is on a one year two-way deal. That means he will be a restricted free agent with the QO being another two-way contract. He cannot be snapped up by another team like Nunn, the C's would have to choose not to match an offer.

Ah yeah, forgot about that. Seems as though we're high on him, so I can't imagine he goes anywhere.

Wanamaker might be a goner though

Well it'd be just because the Celtics chose to not match an offer. The QO for him is tiny (and the C's are over the cap anyways) and we can match anything up to 105% of the average league salary with his early bird rights.

That I don't think he's getting an offer that big. (105% of average salary is around 9.5 million) I do think Wanamaker/Waters/Carsen are going to be fighting for at most two roster spots next year. But who knows if Waters even draws a minimum contract offer, he might be stuck on another two-way until he takes a roster spot.

He will be on roster next year unless he is packaged in a trade before, which I doubt. His talent is obvious and despite his physical short comings has demonstrated ability to play in the senior circuit.

Waters has played in 5 games and a whopping total of 39 minutes spread throughout the season.  He hasn't demonstrated anything at the senior level.  And let's be clear, he hasn't exactly been lights out in those 5 games.  He is just 2 of 11 from 3 with as many turnovers as assists.  The league is littered with players that have performed far greater that end up out of the league.  Waters may end up on a roster, but that is most definitely far from a given, especially given how small he is.

I feel like some team will definitely offer Waters a real contract next year, unless all the below was just Keith Smith blowing smoke.  And due to basic roster crunch, not sure if Boston will even have room to give him a contract, especially with 3 more first round picks potentially coming in next year.


https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125701124796417

One last name that came up repeatedly talking to front office executives and scouts about the G-League Showcase: Tremont Waters. Water is on a Two-Way with Boston.

"He's an NBA backup PG right now. I told our GM to trade for him, because he's better than what we have today."

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125701837873152

More on Tremont Waters from another front office executive: "We'd ask, but Boston wouldn't listen. Why would they? Kid can really play. He's small, but smart. Quick enough to get his shot off. He's a playmaker. He'll be on a standard contract next year, if not later this year."

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1209125702605426691

Lastly on Tremont Waters from a scout: "I missed on him. Big time. Thought was too small for our league. But he's tough and fast. I don't know what he'll be beyond it, but he's an NBA backup point guard at least. And that's valuable because everyone plays three PGs a night now."

Lots of players do well in the GLeague that do well and fail miserably in the NBA.  There is absolutely no evidence to show that Waters can actually play in the league.  A few unnamed sources doesn't change that fact. 

and don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that Waters won't make it.  He absolutely could, my comment was directed at the notion that the 5 game sample demonstrated an ability to play in the NBA.  It most definitely has not.

Mine was meant to be more a comment on Waters likely getting a real contract offer from some NBA team next year, as opposed to a statement about his actual ability.

Don't think the C's will be able to keep him with another Two-Way.