Karl-Anthony Towns still gets punked defensively in certain matchups and his scoring fluctuates with his mood way too often. That said, few bigs can match his skill level on the offensive end. Towns is, on paper, maybe the best shooting big we’ve ever seen, and he’s equally adept at punishing mismatches in the post. His passing improvement in recent years is the cherry on top.
Desmond Bane continues to set nets aflame for Memphis, but he’s much more than the shooting specialist he was billed as coming out of TCU. Bane is excellent working out of DHOs or attacking off the catch, making swift decisions with the ball and possessing the strength to plow through defenders en route to finishes at the rim.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the current favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year (and he should win, in this writer’s humble opinion). The Grizzlies’ defense is miles better with Jackson on versus off. He’s an elite rim protector with preternatural instincts and the ability to comfortably switch onto the perimeter or roam in passing lanes. He’s everything, everywhere, all at once for the Grizzlies’ defense and he’s also one heck of a complementary scorer in the frontcourt.
LaMelo Ball has the misfortune of toiling in obscurity for the NBA’s most directionless franchise, but he’s still a wonder to behold on the basketball court. He has to smooth the rough edges of his approach still, but Ball’s freewheeling playmaking and dynamic pull-up shooting make him a premier offensive engine.
Jrue Holiday, maybe the best perimeter defender in the NBA. His strength and maneuverability at the point of attack is wondrous to behold. Few 6-foot-3 guards can exert such a massive influence over the game on the defensive end. And Holiday backs it up with consistent scoring numbers and a real penchant for setting up teammates on the offensive end.