Realistic Expectations for Memphis Grizzlies' Jarell Martin and Andrew Harrison

If Jarell Martin and Andrew Harrison are to show anything as rookies with the Memphis Grizzlies next season, they'll do so in brief flashes.

The combination of a veteran rotation, the rookies' recent history with the team, and Martin and Harrison's lack of impressive qualities leave them with a hard road.

Harrison has a chance to take the first step in NBA Summer League, but Martin doesn't, as he is out with a stress fracture in his foot. SI.com's Molly Geary quoted the former LSU power forward as saying he "overworked my body throughout this whole [draft] process."

Martin told Fox Sports Tennessee reporter Rob Fischer before the introductory press conference on June 29, "We'll see how it feels after summer league."

Bucking the Grizzlies' Rookie Trend

In the past few years, Grizzlies rookies haven't seen significant playing time.

Credit: Chartgo.com

All three draftees who were on the roster in head coach Dave Joerger's first two seasons saw less than nine minutes per game while playing fewer than half the contests.

The Memphis Flyer's Kevin Lipe spoke dimly before the draft about any possible selection landing a rotation spot. Afterward, he declared, "So, the Grizzlies drafted a couple guys who definitely won't contribute this year even if they play a single NBA minute."

Lipe discussed how neither is NBA-ready, and rumors are surfacing that the Grizzlies could move Harrison before training camp.

Joerger has made it known that Harrison and Martin won't have easy paths to floor time, as Memphis TV reporter Bryan Fenley tweeted:

In order to meet what may be a subtle challenge from Joerger, the two newcomers should take different approaches.

Jarell Martin as a Garbage-Time Scorer

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

Martin doesn't thrive in many areas of attack. In his DraftExpress scouting report, Kyle Nelson stated, "He is a standout athlete as well, showing quickness in the open floor as well as agility and explosiveness around the basket."

Nelson added that Martin showed a great face-up attack and above-average ball-handling skills.

Martin told DraftExpress' Joel Abunassar that he believes his best strengths include his versatility, athleticism and knack for attacking the basket.

However, Nelson said Martin seemed to lack confidence in his outside shot—the 21-year-old has a hitch in his release—and must develop his post game.

The Commercial Appeal's Chris Herrington described Martin as possessing "questionable potential as an outside shooter."

That Martin stands only 6'10" while weighing in at 235 pounds with a 6'9 ¾" wingspan doesn't help. Without any smoothness in his jumper, he can't create separation with a tricky fadeaway. Even when he refines his back-to-the-basket game, he'll face challenges shooting over bigger defenders.

Therefore, Martin should work to emphasize his driving and face-up abilities.

While he won't get significant playing time, Martin can show some potential by piling up a number of buckets in short spurts through such situations. That would make his greatest strength seem viable as he works to expand his game.

The Grizzlies' frontcourt is deep, with Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Brandan Wright and likely Jarnell Stokes ahead of him. Fighting Stokes for playing time will be tough since Stokes is stronger defensively, boasts a 7'1 ¼" wingspan and is the type of hard-nosed defender the Grizzlies love to feature.

Can Andrew Harrison Catch Eyes Without the Stats?

The 6'6", 210-pound point guard must log numerous hours refining his shot before he can turn into a pro gunner. He shot 37.8 percent during his last year with Kentucky.

Josh Riddell explained in his DraftExpress scouting report that Harrison doesn't finish well, isn't explosive enough to beat pro opponents off the dribble and settles for difficult shots.

The 20-year-old didn't show any change in his first two summer league games. He shot 5-of-13 from the field, taking poor jumpers and struggling to finish in tight space.

Without considerable shooting progress, Harrison would need to make his presence felt in areas besides scoring.

Therefore, Harrison's passing and defense will figure highly in his early success. Riddell praised Harrison's unselfishness in transition and ability to see over defenders. He flexed strong passing in early summer league action, slinging one-handed dishes to create for teammates. Harrison totaled five assists through two games.

Getting six minutes per game would be realistic for Harrison during regular season action. Since the Grizzlies guaranteed backup point guard Beno Udrih's 2015-16 contract, Harrison should battle Russ Smith for a top-three spot on the depth chart. In short spurts, he'll struggle to compile many assists.

Also discouraging (for Harrison) is the possibility of the Grizzlies signing Mo Williams. Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling tweeted on Wednesday that the Grizzlies were nearing a deal with the 32-year-old:

Later that day, the Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery reported some distance in 2013 talks between the two sides and that "no deal is imminent" this time around.

Without worrying about the Grizzlies corralling a free agent point guard, Harrison should create a niche for himself on the end where his role may truly be.

Riddell said Harrison has great defensive potential but sometimes gets out of his stance. While summer league is no place to test a player on that end, Harrison's stance looked more consistent.

With practice, Harrison should become a strong defender because of his 6'9" wingspan and lateral quickness.

However, that could come without many steals. He only grabbed one per game last season for the Wildcats. Also, Harrison doesn't attack ball-handlers persistently for steals.

Since he doesn't shoot well, won't rack up a great number of assists with his passing and shows a defensive style based on discipline rather than ball-hawking, Harrison would aim to start as a no-stats bench star.

Conclusion

The Grizzlies missed some desirable players in their range who would have helped the team as rookies, such as Justin Anderson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. But with those off the board, Memphis took a short-armed guy at No. 25 who doesn't fit the defensive scheme or have many offensive tools.

Like Martin, Harrison's shooting issues make him a project at best. 

Their troubling levels of immediately translatable talent bodes ill for their shot at playing time, leaving them buried on a deep bench.

Statistics are current through July 5 games. Wingspans courtesy of DraftExpress.

Tom Firme is a Memphis Grizzlies featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @TFirme.