After Jaren Jackson Jr. injury, who could the Memphis Grizzlies start at power forward?
A few hours before NBA free agency opened, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss four to six months due to a right foot injury.
The Grizzlies drafted two first-round picks in Jake LaRavia and David Roddy are capable of playing power forward, and the team hasn’t addressed the position through free agency. All signs point toward Jackson returning healthy and not missing most of the season, but the Grizzlies can’t afford to fall too far behind in a loaded Western Conference.
Here are the options to start at power forward while Jackson is out:
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Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia would have the most simplified role of the potential starters. He’s ready to knock down NBA 3-pointers now, but he hasn’t shown much playmaking, rebounding or cutting ability just yet. His shooting would space the floor and create bigger driving lanes for Ja Morant. The preseason will be his chance to show how he can hold up against NBA quickness in space on defense.
Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke is the solution to putting your best players on the floor. He averaged 10.4 points and shot 64.4% from the field last season. The Grizzlies emphasize playing with space and pace. While Clarke excels with pace, starting him alongside Steven Adams creates spacing concerns. Clarke is working on a 3-pointer, but that takes him away from his strengths.
Xavier Tillman
The biggest argument for starting Xavier Tillman Sr. is that the Grizzlies would have an experienced player in the starting group while also allowing Clarke to flourish with Tyus Jones and the second unit. Starting Clarke would hurt the bench scoring. As evident from the Minnesota Timberwolves series, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins likes having Clarke provide that scoring boost off the bench.
Santi Aldama
Santi Aldama’s Summer League performance had highs and lows, but the preseason will determine if he’s capable of filling a starting role while Jackson is out. His 6-foot-11 size with shooting ability would be the easiest fit into the Grizzlies’ scheme with Jackson. Physicality and finishing strong are two big questions that would need to be answered for Aldama to succeed in this role.
David Roddy
David Roddy is the type of player who can score 15 points without a play being drawn up for him. He finds the basketball, and that’s what would make him the best starting fit. Roddy also has good size and lateral agility that would help him against bigger and smaller power forwards. If he can shoot the 3-pointer at an average rate, Roddy makes a lot of sense.
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Ziaire Williams
Will the Grizzlies turn to small ball? Ziaire Williams is 6-9, but the stronger Dillon Brooks would guard bigger forwards. This lineup gives the Grizzlies limitless options on offense, but it takes away from Brooks defending top-tier guards. Williams would likely draw the elite wing assignments on defense, but he still needs to get stronger. Adding Williams may be the best offensive solution while not gutting the bench scoring, but concerns could come on the defensive end.
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Who replaces Jaren Jackson Jr in Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup?
