Cooper’s had an excellent season in the G League and just turned 22 in June. (he is the same birthyear as Ziaire) He’s young, shifty, and excellent at getting downhill. He is an amazing passer and just like Ja, his playstyle is about moving into the lane and drawing defenses to kick. He was actually on the second team all G League team this year, and was having a monster season [(26/27 games prior to his injury](https://twitter.com/sharifecooper/status/1681022395975630848?s=46&t=XZRUUjvHdgSU1Aj1HJAVpg)
Before Sharife Cooper’s midseason injury, he was having a ridiculous season in the G league across the Showcase and Reg Season:
25.8 PPG
7.5 APG on
49.5 FG%
37.5 3FG%
83.1 FT%
64 TS%
The Charge were 8-1 (1st reg season) and Cooper took player of the month honours during stretch.
Cooper would provide dynamic offense with his passing and shooting, but he has also improved a ton as a defender. He is laterally quick and definitely tries hard despite only being 6’1
This isn’t amazing by any means and there’s more plays of good screen nav in the game (I got this from a highlight reel) but all you can really ask for a guy this size is to get over screens and pressure the ball. Picking up from 95 feet is such a big improvement for Coop imo pic.twitter.com/sFThFr5bwz
— Array (@SonicArray3) July 13, 2023
All you can ask for imo pic.twitter.com/MmTQBT9psg
— Array (@SonicArray3) July 14, 2023
I think he is a worth a try given Ja’s suspension. Cooper is also friends with Ja Morant
I just saw Grizzlies have Gilyard on a 2 way? Sharife is 6’1 and Gilyard is 5’9, and Sharife is significantly better in the G League and younger
by ArrayMichael7
4 Comments
Short answer… no.
So one intriguing thing is Memphis can move Ja to the suspended list after game 6 and create an additional roster spot for the remaining games. So they could promote someone from their two-way contract to the main roster. From my understanding they cannot convert that roster spot, cut the player on game 26, and then bring them back on a two-way contract (Kennedy Chandler last year for example).
I would prefer Cooper > Gilyard in that scenario 100% and he could get 20 games of real NBA experience before the Grizzlies have to make a decision (cut or trade another player). I am not moving one of the main roster players right now to make room for Cooper though.
Bro we have enough guards, we need wings like it’s BWW
think its time to give up on very short guards