Memphis Grizzlies news: Ben McLemore assigned to Memphis Hustle

MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben McLemore
MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben McLemore

The Memphis Grizzlies have assigned guard Ben McLemore to their G-league affiliate the Memphis Hustle. What does it mean for all parties involved?

According to Chris Haynes, the Memphis Grizzlies have assigned guard Ben McLemore to the their G-League affiliate, Memphis Hustle. McLemore injured in the off-season during a game of five-on-five, breaking a bone in his foot. Since then, he’s been recovering as he’s missed training camp and the preseason.

I caught up with McLemore prior to that game against Houston where I studied his rehab process during shootaround. I must say, McLemore looks way ahead of schedule. As I was watching his shootaround, he was working on a lot of isolation moves, and his “burst” off the dribble. He looked like himself again. To end his shootaround, McLemore ran up to the rim and dunked the ball with two hands.

What does this mean for McLemore?

As Grizzlies are 5-2, there’s no sense in rushing the 24-year old guard back from a serious injury. The Grizzlies will let him get around 5-10 games — if that — in the G-league with the Hustle to get his game back.

If ready to return, is McLemore the starting guard?

I have no doubt in my mind, that when fully healthy, either he or Wayne Selden will take Andrew Harrison’s spot in the starting five. McLemore will fit right in on the wings with Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, James Ennis and Jarell Martin. It really depends on which guy gets healthy first between Selden and McLemore.

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The Memphis Grizzlies are taking the right approach to this rehab process with McLemore, but now we get to wait and watch him in Southaven for a few games with the Hustle.