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NBA Memphis Grizzlies

Grading Memphis Grizzlies Guard Courtney Lee’s Performance in November

By @The_Only_Grubes

Courtney Lee

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

What a difference having an offseason with the team makes.

The Memphis Grizzlies traded for guard Courtney Lee during the season last year in order to bring some quality 3-point shooting to the team on a budget. Lee did contribute, but not at as high of a level as many hoped when he joined the team. Now that he has had a whole offseason to practice with the team and become familiar with head coach Dave Joerger‘s system, he has flourished and become a real perimeter threat for the Grizzlies.

Lee is having a career year for the Grizzlies as their starting shooting guard, setting statistical highs across the board. On the season, he is averaging 13.5 PPG on 52.8 percent shooting, including a scorching-hot 56.1 percent from behind the 3-point line. Lee has been on point with his 3-point attempts, not forcing anything in transition or in the half court, rather waiting for the ball to be swung to him for an open shot.

Ball movement has been improved tremendously this season so far in Memphis, and Lee has been the biggest beneficiary from it all.

What has also been impressive is that he has been more aggressive driving in the half court off the dribble. In the past, Lee hasn’t always been confident with his handle, but his willingness to attack and be another shot creator has really helped loosen things up on offense for the Grizzlies.

Point guard Mike Conley has loved every minute of it, as Lee’s penetration into the lane has allowed Conley to spot up for easier attempts outside the arc, making his life shooting the ball a lot easier. Conley has always been the one responsible for being the sole creator on offense for Memphis, not counting Marc Gasol setting up at the elbow and firing passes away. Now, some of Conley’s duties have been shared with Lee, who has excelled and should continue to as his confidence increases over the course of the season.

Defensively, Lee has been great at guarding wings with teammate Tony Allen. Both players have been able to switch off on one another and guard both the two and the three effectively. Lee’s willingness to take on tough assignments when Allen has been on the bench resting has also been a sign of increased confidence, something that will help Memphis come playoff time.

Lee has been a gem for the Grizzlies this season, really bringing another dimension to their offense. If he can keep this up, there’s no telling what this team can accomplish when the postseason rolls around.

Grade: A

Nathan Grubel is an NBA writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @The_Only_Grubes, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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