Memphis Grizzlies Recall Stokes, Smith from D-League

Jan 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarnell Stokes (1) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies recalled rookies Jarnell Stokes and Russ Smith from the NBDL’s Iowa Energy today.

The Grizzlies, previously recalling rookie Jordan Adams from the Energy a couple days ago, brought Stokes and Smith back to the team on Tuesday. This means that Memphis now has all 15 players traveling together.

Memphis plays Brooklyn tonight and Oklahoma City tomorrow night. Will Adams, Stokes, and/or Smith see any action?

The answer: They may if either game is a blowout; however, the Grizzlies’ bench is already deep enough that it is unlikely that any one of the trio of rookies will see many minutes of floor time this week.

Oct 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Russ Smith (9) goes to the basket past Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pelicans 93-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter is still out due to injury, but with Jeff Green commanding more minutes and 10-day signee JaMychal Green showcasing strong play, this Grizzly team is stacked at almost every position.

However, it will be beneficial for the three rookies to be around the veteran team and gain some valuable experience before the squad heads into NBA All-Star break. It is unknown at this time if any or all of the rookies will remain with the Grizzlies or head back to the D-League after this upcoming Sunday.

The news regarding the call-ups was announced today in an NBA.com report, which you can find below.

"The Memphis Grizzlies recalled forward/center Jarnell Stokes and guard Russ Smith from the team’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Iowa Energy, Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace announced today. Both had been re-assigned to Iowa on Jan. 20.Stokes (6-9, 263) recorded 12.3 points on .633 shooting with 9.9 rebounds and 1.14 blocks in 26.9 minutes in seven games in his latest assignment to Iowa. The 21-year-old has averaged 12.5 points on .616 shooting with 9.1 rebounds and 0.80 blocks in 26.6 minutes in 10 games (one start) with the Energy this season, tallying five double-doubles.The Memphis native has averaged 2.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.6 minutes in 16 games (two starts) in his rookie season for the Grizzlies. He was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft after three seasons at the University of Tennessee (2011-14). Stokes then was traded to the Grizzlies on draft night for a 2016 second round draft pick.Smith (6-0, 165) averaged 18.2 points on .500 shooting with 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 29.4 minutes in nine games (three starts) in his first stint in Iowa. The 23-year-old has posted 16.9 points on .518 shooting with 3.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 27.5 minutes in 16 games (three starts) in the D-League with the Energy and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (47th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft, Smith was acquired by New Orleans in a draft night trade. The New York City native totaled five points in 29 minutes in six appearances for the Pelicans this season. He has yet to make his Grizzlies debut after being acquired by Memphis in a three-team trade with New Orleans and Boston on Jan. 12."

Go Grizz!