NBA Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies’ Jarnell Stokes Ready to Contribute Right Away

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By @The_Only_Grubes

Jarnell Stokes

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Coming into the 2014 NBA Draft, forward Jarnell Stokes out of Tennessee was viewed as a rising prospect that could crack the mid-late first round and be a dynamic front court player coming into the league. Unfortunately for Stokes, his draft stock plummeted and he ended up being picked in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies. Why his stock plummeted remains to be seen, as Stokes proved himself to be a hot commodity over the summer.

While playing in the NBA Summer League, Stokes showed off a variety of skills, from great rebounding on both ends of the floor to offensive post moves to awareness both offensively and defensively. Stokes is a hustle big that is going to make plays — some big some small. Regardless, Stokes is going to make an impact in the game — just maybe not as much in the box score early on in his career.

That is fine, because the Grizzlies have liked players over the years who contribute and give it their all, regardless of how many fancy numbers they put up in the box score. Guys like Tony Allen, Marc Gasol and Tayshaun Prince do not always put up the biggest numbers, but their impact is felt throughout the entire game, be it offensively or defensively. Stokes is just another one of those valuable guys that can come in and fill a role, regardless of what it is.

Normally, teams are attracted to drafting prospects who are going to put up numbers right away and have flashy talents. Stokes is not a flashy player, but he is a hard worker and a guy who is going to give it his all on each and every single play. The Grizzlies drafted him for those very reasons because they like that kind of player. The Grizzlies’ culture is built on players like Stokes, and will continue to be as long as the current management and coaching staff stays in place. Stokes adds onto the identity of the Grizzlies, and his skill set is exactly what the team needed due to the departure of reserve forward Ed Davis.

Stokes is going to see minutes right away, and due to what he does on both ends of the floor, he will make the most of them and have an impact right away off the bench — just don’t expect the flashiest of numbers just yet.

Nathan Grubel is a Memphis Grizzlies 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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