Bismack Biyombo and Jacob Gilyard are rising to the occasion
Over the weekend, the Memphis Grizzlies received impactful production from two unlikely sources.
To suggest, the Memphis Grizzlies have been playing shorthanded is an understatement. Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and (to an extent) Steven Adams were all expected absences. However, it seems like players are going through the injury report like a revolving door. Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard come back after a few games, then Xavier Tillman and John Konchar hit the list. Then, Ziaire Williams hops in the inactive report for a game.
This shuffling has contributed to a slow 2-8 start, where offensive stagnation and defensive miscommunication are attributed to this lack of foow.
However, over the weekend, the Grizzlies received significant contributions from two unlikely sources: Jacob Gilyard and Bismack Biyombo. Over the weekend, the two finished with the following stat-lines:
Gilyard: (Utah) 14 points on 5-10 shooting and 4-9 from 3, 8 assists, 4 rebounds; (Clippers) 6 points on 2-6 shooting, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Biyombo: (Utah) 15 points on 5-10 shooting and 15 rebounds; (Clippers) 13 points on 5-6 shooting, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 stocks
The overall team results were mixed, as the Grizzlies lost Friday night’s game against Utah but won Sunday’s meeting with the Clippers. Nonetheless, these two players have risen to the occasion with larger roles and responsibilities, and have impressed in the process.
Two-way player Jacob Gilyard is the league’s only player under 6-feet tall, as hoopers of his stature are becoming more and more infrequent in today’s NBA. His insertion into the starting lineup caught people by surprise, as Taylor Jenkins opted to roll with a traditional point guard instead of a wing in place of Ziaire Williams. Gilyard showcased how he could impact net-positive basketball.
Gilyard was brought in to serve as another facilitator, someone that could help set the table for the offense with his organization. Adding another ball-mover allowed the offense to flow a lot better, as the ball had a noticeable zip through the Grizzlies’ system. Gilyard provided value here as another initiator and ball-mover from the perimeter.
Gilyard impressed as an outside shooter, connecting on 6 of his 15 triples (40%) through these two games. There were moments he provided some pull-up juice — his offensive rebound and pull-up 3 may have been the most electric play in the Forum of the young season. While his size could be detrimental when defenders close out, he offsets with a quick release after relocating to the right passing window.
Jacob Gilyard is the NCAA’s all-time leader in total steals. While he may or may not be a net positive defender in the NBA, he could add more value with his event creation. He’s a feisty defender with quick hands with a nose for the ball and with the intent of mucking up actions. He also extended his defensive pressure out all 94 feet, which is a possibly role for him as a backup point guard.
No one knew the results when Gilyard was inserted in the starting lineup, yet alone the rotation just a few weeks ago. However, Gilyard is impressing with his play thus far and showing just how he can add value in the NBA.
When the Grizzlies lost Steven Adams for the season, they desperately needed another enforcer — just someone to do the dirty work. Resources this early in the season were few and far between, but the Grizzlies had a roster spot exception available once Morant’s suspension hit the 5-game mark.
The Grizzlies utilized it on Bismack Biyombo, and he’s been just what the doctor ordered.
Since entering the starting lineup last Sunday, he’s amassed double-digit rebounds in all 4 games — averaging 12 rebounds in that span. His motor has been absolutely insane, as he’s fighting for every single loose ball. Combining his energy with his 7’7” wingspan has been a major asset on the glass and has shored up a huge weakness in the absence of Adams and Clarke.
Biyombo hasn’t been tasked with too much offensively, but he’s been an effective roller — making himself available in pick-and-roll actions. He tends to look for the extra pass off the roll, and it came to bite when he passed up a wide-open dunk for a David Roddy 3. However, his screening and rolling has been a nice wrinkle in its halfcourt offense.
Biyombo’s shot-blocking prowess alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. was an intriguing element of this acquisition. It allows for the Grizzlies to have plus-level rim protection with or without Jackson on the floor. Against the Clippers, he had 2 blocks, including a massive crunch-time block on Terence Mann.
The Grizzlies were always going to miss Steven Adams, but acquiring a player like Bismack Biyombo that provides those same positives at 80% of the impact has paid dividends for the team’s system.
What does it look like going forward for the Grizzlies? Totally unsure. Both players have their flaws — Gilyard’s size, and Biyombo’s lack of offense outside the paint. However, their strengths have helped connect pieces for a Grizzlies’ team simply looking for rhythm and continuity.
From a roster construction standpoint, it makes most sense for Gilyard to stay on his two-way with there being a 3rd two-way spot, but he’s a good “emergency backup point guard” whenever Morant, Smart, and/or Rose are unavailable. Biyombo should stay on this team and remain the starting center after Morant returns from his suspension — opening up difficult conversations, or fun possibilities, on how to trim a roster spot.
Nonetheless, over the weekend, Jacob Gilyard and Bismack Biyombo showcased their value in a “next man up” situation the Grizzlies are all too familiar with. Their numbers are being called with roles and responsibilities larger than any of us imagined going into the season, but they are currently rising to the occasion.
If you choose to support my Substack, SubTsakalidis — aka “SubTsak” — follow this link to my Allie’s Allies St. Jude fundraiser page. If you choose to subscribe, all proceeds will go towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.