National Basketball Association

Into the Bears' Den: Analyzing who will earn the Memphis Grizzlies' remaining roster spots

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:28 p.m. ET

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For this week’s “Into the Bears’ Den” roundtable, our writers discussed who has the best odds of making the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster for opening tip.

Let’s face it: Preseason basketball sucks. The offense isn’t clicking, the arena is half empty and the players are still building chemistry. So while the final scores of Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason games don’t mean a lot to fans, the games give a glimpse into fringe NBA players fighting for a spot on their respective team’s roster. Heck, maybe you’ll even see D.J. “my preseason PER is higher than Kevin Durant’s” Stephens throw down an earth-shattering dunk or two.

For this week’s “Into the Bears’ Den” roundtable, our writers discussed who has the best odds of making the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster for the regular season’s opening tip.

Next: D.J. Stephens

D.J. Stephens

Oct 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard D.J. Stephens (20) dunks the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) and forward Cliff Alexander (2) and forward Arinze Onuaku (21) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis beat Orlando 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

He has elite athleticism. In a league that is reliant on versatility, DJ Stephens could supply it for the Memphis Grizzlies. Combine that with an improving 3-point shot, and the former University of Memphis standout should make many fans happy this coming season.

The only thing that could keep him from making the squad is a lack of consistency. He has put up solid performances so far in Summer League and preseason. If he keeps up this pace, he should lock up a roster spot.

Ryan Schmitz

D.J. Stephens has finally paired his athleticism with a nice outside shot, elite defense, and the ability to make smart plays. I don’t think anyone in the NBA can out-jump him, so if his shot starts falling, he should get the spot. He may have most potential of anyone on team.

Mohamed Bah

When you look at D.J. Stephens, you immediately notice that he is extremely athletic and also has a nice touch from outside. The Memphis Grizzlies could really use as much shooters as they possibly could, and it would make sense for Stephens to get a roster spot.

He obviously has some work to do, since he’s only played five minutes in the NBA. But during his time at The University of Memphis and the Iowa Energy, he showed that his jump shot could use improvement. Now he can shoot, but we all know the Grizzlies could use a “great” shooter, so he has to work on it some more.

Jacob Collins

He has an insane amounts of athleticism. The Memphis Grizzlies need some punch from their bench players. D.J. gives them an athletic guard/forward that could defend multiple positions and give them an energy bump. D.J. can help swing a game during the bench unit doldrums with his athleticism.

Wayne Selden

Oct 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden Jr. (7) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Atlanta won 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

Why he will make the team: 3-and-D potential. Selden shot 36.6 percent from 3 and averaged 0.7 steals. Those numbers don’t help his cause; however, if he outperforms roster-locks Troy Daniels and James Ennis, the Memphis Grizzlies will at least think about keeping him.

Why he will not make the team: Wing depth. The Memphis Grizzlies are loaded on the wings with Parsons, Allen, Ennis, Adams, VC, Daniels and Baldwin. In addition, Andrew Harrison and DJ Stephens are fighting for spots, as well. If he doesn’t showcase anything that sets him apart, then he’ll be sent packing.

Verdict: Cut

Ryan Schmitz

Why he will make the team: Wing Defense. I think he is the longshot of the group. He could make the team if he steps up his defense. Troy Daniels hasn’t been playing very much defense and Vince Carter isn’t a great defender anymore so Selden could become that other wing defender the team could use to potentially replace Tony Allen someday.

Why he won’t make the team: Better options. Selden didn’t show a lot of improvement over his college career and in that career, I didn’t see someone who would play in the NBA. He did make a few plays that are worthy, but he wasn’t consistent and the Memphis Grizzlies could decide to go with someone like Stephens or Williams who offer more potential.

Verdict: Cut

Mohamed Bah

Why he will make the team: Wayne Selden has showcased his potential to be a great guard in the NBA. His ball handling, shooting, and size, are what makes him unique.

Why he won’t make the team: I feel he is competing for a spot that is extremely competitive. Quite frankly, they have better options at his position.

Jacob Collins

Why he will make the team: 3-and-D baby! Selden has potential to be a rotation bench wing in the NBA. He has the physical tools to be a plus defender and he also has a solid 3-point shot. He’d need to continue improve his shooting and other offensive skills to stay in the NBA.

Why he won’t make the team: He is not as good as the guys he’s competing against at a position that does not need much more attention. Stephens would appear to be clearly ahead of him at this point simply based upon his work with the Iowa Energy last year. Point guard is a position of need and Selden does not fill that role either. I think the Memphis Grizzlies are likely planning to offer him a contract with the Energy and hope he develops into a rotation wing.

Andrew Harrison

Oct 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison (5) passes the ball as Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

Why he will make the team: Experience. Andrew Harrison was on last year’s Iowa Energy D-League team. Therefore, the Grizzlies organization has a feel for his game. As long as he doesn’t have dud performances like last outing, he should have a spot on this team.

Why he won’t make the team: Consistency. Andrew Harrison played exceptionally well against the Magic, then followed it up with a stinker against the Hawks. If guys like D.J. Stephens and Troy Williams keep showing out, his stint with the Grizzlies will be in jeopardy.

Verdict: Cut

Ryan Schmitz

Why he will make the team: Depth. As of now the Grizzlies have two point guard locks. They could use a third one for depth in case of injuries like last year and Harrison should have a jump start on the rest of the team and other point guards contending with him being here for an extended time and having D-League experience.

Why he won’t make the team: Turnovers. Harrison has always had a problem with turnovers and if he can’t keep those down, I don’t see the Grizzlies taking him. Plus, if Tony Allen starts playing some point guard, that position will be even tougher to make.

Verdict: Cut

Jacob Collins

Why he will make the team: In-house option at a position of need. Andrew Harrison already has a fully guaranteed contract from the Grizzlies and in the effort of saving costs, I could see them keeping him on the big club for that reason. Harrison spent all of last season honing his skills and shows some promise as a rotation guard in the future. He can work some off the ball which would be excellent to continue to showcase the Grizzlies’ success with multiple point guard lineups. It also helps his case that the Grizzlies have already moved on from Tony Wroten.

Why he won’t make the team: Underwhelming preseason. If Harrison has an underwhelming preseason there is a chance the Grizzlies could decide to cut bait and look at other options going forward. There is a need at backup point and for depth there. WIth Harrison being a cheap, cost-controlled asset I think it is likely he makes it.

Verdict: Makes Team

Troy Williams

Oct 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Troy Williams (10) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis beat Orlando 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

Why he will make the team: Feet. I’m not talking about Troy Williams’ feet. I’m talking about Deyonta Davis and Jarell Martin’s feet. Both have been undergoing foot pain all summer, leaving their big man depth somewhat depleted. With Brandan Wright and Marc Gasol coming back from season-ending injuries, they would be wise to add a 5th big man.

Why he will not make the team: 3-4 depth and DJ Stephens. While Williams can play the 3 and the 4, there is just so much depth ahead of him: Parsons, Ennis, Carter and possibly Allen will have reps at the 3 position. At the 4, the Grizzlies could use Randolph, Green, Martin, Davis, Wright or Parsons. Also, there is a 6’5” version of him on this roster named DJ Stephens. Because of his versatility to cover positions 1-4, Williams may be sent packing.

Side note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04wFrTvlDVY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdT_QOQT_qw are proof that Stephens and Williams are the same player.

Verdict: Make

Ryan Schmitz

Why he will make the team: Preseason. Williams has done pretty well in the offseason. If he can play well in the preseason, the Grizzlies may pick him over guys like Stephens or Harrison.

Why he won’t make the team: Depth. With the assumption that Stephens is the better player, Williams is already behind. The Grizzlies have plenty of forwards already which makes it even tougher for him to make the team.

Verdict: Cut

Jacob Collins

Why he will make the team: He can shoot. As a sophomore at Indiana, Williams shot over 40 percent behind the 3-point arc. The Grizzlies continue to move into the modern age by adding athleticism and shooting and Williams can check off both of those boxes.

Why he won’t make the team: He isn’t as good as guys on fully guaranteed contracts. The roster math is simply working against him. The Grizz gave him a partial guarantee and I would assume that was because they have hopes of adding him to the Iowa Energy roster (much like what I foresee with Selden).

Chris Crawford

Oct 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Chris Crawford (6) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at FedExForum. The Hawks won 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

Why he will make the team: *see Wayne Selden*

Why he will not make the team: *see Wayne Selden*

Verdict: Cut

Ryan Schmitz

Why he will make the team: Consistency. Crawford does everything well. He can pass, rebound, defend, and even score at an average level at the very least. He would be a safe pick if injuries were to hit. I could see him making the team if last year happens again.

Why he won’t make the team: Potential. Crawford will probably never be an All-Star and sometimes those last spots are saved for players that teams think can become a key contributor someday. Crawford could very well be one of those point guards that comes in if needed and won’t hurt the team.

Verdict: Cut

Jacob Collins

Why he will make the team: He went to Memphis. He’s pretty good at everything.

Why he won’t make the team: He isn’t good enough to play in the NBA right now. He’s not exceptionally good at anything.

Jordan Adams

Oct 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Adams (3) dribbles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Devyn Marble (11) defends during the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Parker Fleming

Why he will make the team: Potential. Jordan Adams still has the potential to be a dynamic player in this league. Because of his analytic praise, he can usher in a new era once Tony Allen hangs it up. In addition, a healthy Jordan Adams paired with Wade Baldwin could be the backcourt of the future.

Why he will not make the team: Knee trouble. Jordan Adams has had the worst luck. After multiple operations on his knee, his career is in jeopardy. If he doesn’t show progression in his recovery, the Grizzlies may have no other choice but to move on.

Knee good: Yes. Knee not good: No

Ryan Schmitz

Why he will make the team: Offense potential. Adams still seems to be one of those players that could very well become a sixth man contender someday. Injuries have prevented him from proving that, but he could be an efficient scorer that would complement Tony Allen very well.

Why he won’t make the team: Knees. The only reason he doesn’t make the team is if he doesn’t stay healthy and his knees are bad. The Grizzlies would much rather take a flyer on a separate player, who can actually play in games.

Verdict: Makes Team

Jacob Collins

Why he will make the team: He was a first round pick.

Why he won’t make the team: He can’t stay healthy; which is a shame because I thought that this was a strong pick for the Grizz when they made it. He certainly has the upside of a scoring guard but has yet to have the health to prove himself.
Verdict: Cut