In the attempt to affirm their status as a solid playoff contender in the West, the Memphis Grizzlies inserted Jonas Valanciunas into a trade package. In return, they got Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe from the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Grizzlies seem to have won the trade. Adams and Bledsoe are experienced players who have been productive members of their previous teams.
There's no reason to expect that they'll be key members of the Grizzlies as well. But given how the NBA works — how things quickly change and how competitive everyone is — we can never really tell how the trade will pan out. For now, let's try to gauge Adams and Bledsoe particularly how they'll fit with the team with Morant as their centerpiece.
Grizzlies grades:
Steven Adams: A
Steven Adams has developed a reputation as the strongest player in the league. His screens are bar none the toughest to break. Some have even likened it to hitting a stone wall. In today's league where teams have prioritized stretch bigs over traditional ones, Adams' brute strength has allowed him to become a top asset for any type of team — rebuilding or contending for a title.
He seems the perfect fit for a team with a guy like Ja Morant at the center. The young gun has been compared with Russell Westbrook. They both possess this freakish athleticism which has allowed them to abuse defenses anytime they wish. With this in mind, Adams would have no problem adjusting to his new team. It would take him back to his old days with the Oklahoma City Thunder where his primary job was to set a tough screen to Westbrook and let him do the work.
This has been the bread and butter of the Grizzlies, too. After solid screen by Adams, the slower big man would have no choice but to switch on the feisty Morant. This would lead to all sorts of confusion for the defense and would end on either a basket by Morant or a wide-open teammate. Yes, it looks and sounds simple. But that's how things will be for the Grizzlies with Adams in the fold.
Eric Bledsoe: B+
Eric Bledsoe was the butt of jokes when it became official that the two of his former teams — the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns — were set to duel in the NBA Finals. It could've been him and not Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday manning the point guard spot. Such is the life of an NBA player.
Bledsoe experienced a slight dip in his numbers with the Pelicans last season. Some say that he has fallen off as one of the most underappreciated guards in the league. However, this just might be an offshoot of having a playmaker like Lonzo Ball in the roster. Bledsoe just didn't have a place in that type of team, as he's the type of player who needs the ball in his hands to succeed.
Unfortunately, a similar fate awaits Bledsoe in Memphis. As noted, Bledsoe is more comfortable playing the point guard spot. Last year was the only time he moved up to the shooting guard position and it was clear he wasn't too comfortable. He won't have a chance to become the Grizzlies' orchestrator with Morant in the fold. At the same time, it would be foolish for head coach Taylor Jenkins to relegate Bledsoe — a two-time All-Defensive Team member — to the bench. Grizzlies fans should hope that Bledsoe adjusts his game or coach Jenkins finds a way to use him well.
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