REVEALED: Ja Morant disclosed how he was involved in the accident in hospital on his way the pitch

As the upcoming offseason approaches, there’s a widespread consensus among both fans and analysts that the Memphis Grizzlies should prioritize strengthening their center rotation. Even General Manager Zach Kleiman has suggested that enhancing the team’s collection of big men is a top priority, stating during his exit interview that “we see the value of having a more traditional or true big.”

However, a recent argument has emerged suggesting that the Grizzlies might consider bolstering their backcourt depth by pursuing former league MVP Russell Westbrook. Nandjee Ranjan of Sportskeeda even went as far as to suggest that Memphis could be an ideal destination for Westbrook this summer.

The argument for bringing in Westbrook revolves around the Grizzlies’ struggles with their bench performance. Ranjan highlights the team’s lackluster bench and suggests that Westbrook’s energy and playstyle would align well with the team’s needs. Despite Westbrook’s diminished role as a second-unit player in recent seasons, he has remained a impactful contributor, posting solid averages in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the 2023-24 season.

While Westbrook’s potential contributions may appeal to contending teams in need of guard depth, it’s argued that the Grizzlies are not among these teams. Despite concerns about the team’s assist numbers and turnover ratio, it’s suggested that addressing these issues could be achieved through less controversial means, such as converting two-way player Scotty Pippen Jr.’s contract to a standard deal.

Furthermore, while Westbrook may be willing to accept a reduced salary to join a championship contender, the Grizzlies already boast a strong backcourt rotation including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Derrick Rose. Allocating financial resources towards addressing other positions, such as center, may be a more prudent use of resources.

Additionally, Westbrook’s desire for significant playing time may not align with the Grizzlies’ roster depth, potentially limiting his opportunities in Memphis. Ultimately, while the Grizzlies may benefit from improvements to their bench, signing Westbrook is viewed as an unlikely solution to address these deficiencies.