In the Memphis Grizzlies’ D-League expansion draft, they selected Jimmer Fredette and former Tiger DJ Stephens. What could this mean going forward?
The Memphis Grizzlies announced their new D-League affiliate — the Memphis Hustle — a few months ago. New slick design has fans ecstatic about the gear coming out. Jerseys, shirts, hoodies, you name it! However, fans should be excited about the expansion draft:
Just imagine a D-League game where Jimmer Fredette is launching deep 3-pointers. Or where DJ Stephens skies over his opponent for the poster dunk. Or where Jamaal Franklin is reeling in triple doubles.
All of that sounds exhilarating — especially for D-League basketball. With the Hustle team new to Memphis, they need marketable players to generate hype. Despite saying this, don’t get too excited about this draft.
Fredette, Stephens and Franklin all have deals overseas next season, and it’s hard to see them turning down more money to play in the D-League. If any of them choose to play in the G-League, the Memphis Grizzlies will own their rights.
Hopefully, we’ll see Jimmer Fredette and DJ Stephens represent the Hustle in Memphis. It’ll be a blast to see one of college’s all-time great players and one of the biggest fan favorites in Tiger history play in Memphis … kind of.
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Other Notable Additions
Aside from the three players previously mentioned, Marquis Teague and Adonis Thomas are others worth nothing.
Marquis — the brother of Jeff — ran through the Caliper one-and-done system, but just didn’t pan out. He didn’t have the size or skills to hang in there with NBA point guards. Hopefully, he can find his niche and make Hustle basketball entertaining.
Adonis Thomas is another former Tiger who also played high school basketball in Memphis. The former top-10 recruit hasn’t found his spot in the NBA as he’s a dreaded tweener. He doesn’t have the jumper to make defenders pay or the size to battle in there with NBA big men.
Memphis Hustle might be fun, but it’s still D-League basketball.