When Matt Barnes was introduced on Wednesday as the newest member of the Grizzlies after being traded there this summer, Memphis coach Dave Joerger summed up the approach the team is taking this year.
Dave Joerger at Matt Barnes intro presser: "We're going to try to be nasty" pic.twitter.com/wCCZGQJhhg
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) July 28, 2015
You know, because the Grizzlies were a bunch of cuddly fluffball teddy bears before. They were just snuggly.
Memphis was nasty last season, but it should be noted that even as Memphis took a huge step forward offensively (rising to as high as a top-five offense for much of the season before settling in at No. 13 in points per possession -- which is still really good for them), their defense wasn't as great as it has been. They finished fourth in points allowed per possession, but were only sixth before the All-Star Break. That's still very good, but Memphis wants to be a top-two defense.
That said ... weren't the playoffs kind of proof that the nastiness isn't the problem? They beat up and hounded the Warriors. Golden State admitted after the Finals that the Grizzlies were the toughest team they faced. Yet, once Golden State made the move to stop guarding Tony Allen and defend the paint with multiple guys at all times, Memphis fell apart offensively. They haven't added a shooter this summer. "Nasty" is a pretty good description of what their offense is most of the time.
Barnes had a terrific year last season, shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. It was honestly his best season as a pro. He makes them tougher defensively. However, the book on the Clippers in the playoffs has consistently been a) make DeAndre Jordan shoot free throws, b) pound Blake Griffin physically and c) make Matt Barnes beat you from the outside. Memphis' biggest problem is shooting. They didn't add a shooter. Can Barnes be reliable enough to change that dynamic? Can Jordan Adams adapt?
Barnes fits with the culture of Memphis, and while he's a bit more aggressive in starting conflict that the rest of the Grizzlies (who don't tend to start fights, but are always ready to finish them), he should add to their arsenal. But is adding more of what they already have, doubling down on what's been successful -- but not successful enough to win a title -- really the best approach?
Either way, don't expect Memphis to deviate much from the "in the mud" approach that's brought them so much success through the years. At least they know their identity.
And hey, it worked for Pop:
