Watched a delightful little game between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. They are my favorite teams to watch! So many dunks, Ja Morant is great, I’ve been following Brandon Ingram since he was in my area high school, and even with Zion Williamson sitting, this game was teeming with talent.
I won’t bore any of you with a take on Morant (I, at one point, thought RJ Barrett was a better pick than Ja. I, at one point, needed a lot more sleep). What I noticed was there were so many good players on either team that could shower us with fantasy goodness any time someone hits the injured list, health and safety protocols, or is simply tired and needs a night off. I’ll give some stats from last night and my take on each team.
Pelicans Positives
Larry Nance Jr. made his daddy proud last night! In case y’all kids don’t know about the OG Nance, he could dunk.
And so can his kid! Nance Jr. went for 19 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks. He’s a good real life player, incredibly active on defense and switchable. He should get minutes. Problem is, look at the game log and had 0 points or blocks and six boards two games ago. He’s not a skilled player and depends on his guards to give him looks. Yesterday was small-ball day, and the point guards did a great job setting him up. Next game is unknown! He’s streamable but, if Zion misses more time, he can be a viable end of bench starter.
Trey Murphy III: This kid is a baller. Athletic, great shooter, and has added handles to his game. 13 points on a some 3s and drives while playing tough defense. Oh my gosh, he’s a 3 and D guy! He chips in a couple boards, a steal, and maybe a block as well. This kid is going to be a 6th Man of the Year candidate when it all settles down. I could see him taking the small forward spot and running with it, as his offensive upside and floor spacing are the best option they have. Get him now and reap benefits later.
Jose Alvarado: He is just so fun! Battling with Ja out there for the fourth quarter, Grand Theft Alvarado got under his skin for sure. He is not fantasy relevant unless you’re in a deep league. I just wanted to say, if he ever gets over 20 minutes per game, I think he might just pass out on the court due to overexertion. The kid really relishes his chance in the NBA and shows it every time he takes the court.
Naji Marshall is a live body with some upside, but he’s buried on the depth chart. Keep an eye on the injury report because, when Zion sits, he can get in a deep league lineup.
Grizzlies Goodies
Brandon Clarke: Can I cut and paste what I said about Nance in here? Did someone clone these guys but change their face and give one a bunch of tattoos and more hair, but the other with a better beard? Clarke balled out last night. Hit a three, too! However, I think my daughter’s middle school team has three people with better form than him. Clarke’s issue is that Jaren Jackson Jr. (side note: I watched his dad play in the old CBA on the LaCrosse Catbirds, so I root for him. Yes, that’s a real team name. It was, until Isaiah Thomas ruined everything) returned and will take a bunch of minutes because he’s better. Keep an eye on JJJ and, if he sits, then Clarke has a better shot at some numbers
Tyus Jones: We Duke fans refer to him as Tyus Stones! Only gets 19 effective minutes per game, even with Desmond Bane out. If a certain Grizzlies PG goes out though, sprint and get this guy. That certain explosive PG on the Grizz misses a lot of time because normal human limbs can’t handle that type of aggressive athleticism. But you knew that.
John Konchar: 9 points and 8 boards starting for Bane. He might be useful for a couple weeks while Bane plays This Little Piggy on his injured toe. Now that I think of it that’s like the worst possible game to play with injured toes! Maybe stick to pattycake, Desmond.
Santi Aldama: Didn’t do much and this happened to him:
But his skill is evident. However, watch him hilariously fall into the bench.
David Roddy: He’s so wide he’s just fun to watch
If you ever have a chance to watch either team, do it! They both go over 10 deep with good NBA players, and a good number of them are fun!
