Ronald Tillery of the Memphihs Commercial Appeal reports:
It’s no secret that the Achilles’ heel for this team last season was a serious lack of bench production. Aside from Sam Young’s 7.4 points per game, the Griz couldn’t count on much in reserve.
There will be a tendency to place improved bench productivity on the shoulders of 19-year-old sharp-shooting rookie Xavier Henry in the wake of a summerlong contract dispute. Yes, the Griz will need Henry’s scoring (especially his three-point shooting), but the bench’s improvement bears watching a number of players.
If the Griz are to have a second unit that can change tempo with scrappy defense and offensive proficiency then Young must show development beyond being a one-on-one offensive player, center Hasheem Thabeet has to provide consistent shot blocking and rebounding and free agent Tony Allen should live up to his reputation as a defensive stopper on the perimeter.
