Memphis Grizzlies already paying dividends with new G-League team
By Chip Crain
Now that the Memphis Grizzlies have a new local G-League team, we’re seeing both parties benefit from this offseason move.
The Hustle haven’t played an official game, and the Memphis Grizzlies are already benefiting from their G-League franchise.
Ben McLemore was sent down to the G-League team to begin final rehab for his broken foot today. Also 2017 second-round pick Ivan Rabb was recalled in case Marc Gasol’s ankle prevented him from playing against Orlando.
The flexibility to make moves like these are why Memphis wanted to own their own G-League team and have them close to home.
Would McLemore have accepted an assignment to Iowa last year? If the team wasn’t down the road, would Rabb even be available if Marc couldn’t go?
G league (formerly D—League) assignments, even after injury, rarely happened before. Players considered it beneath them to accept it. Now with the Hustle so close to Memphis, it’s as a logical move to help McLemore get back on the court quickly. He can sleep in his home instead of staying in a hotel. It’s all good to paraphrase Mark Goodfelllow.
Ivan Rabb Rabb may not be the only call up either. Kobi Simmons could be wearing a Grizzlies uniform on the road trip as Mike Conley’s achilles has been acting up. If Conley can’t play, a third point guard — Simmons — could be added to the roster.
The team can now wait until practically the last second before making an assignment decision. Players no longer have to be rushed from Des Moines to wherever Memphis was playing, hoping to make it in time for tip-off.
The other benefit for the Grizzlies comes from Glynn Cyprien coaching the Hustle. He’s familiar with Coach Fizdale’s offense and defense, so players are being prepared to run the Grizzlies’ system. This allows players to hit the ground running when called up to the Grizzlies.
The Hustle’s roster includes familiar names like Shaq Thomas and Austin Nichols plus former NBA player Marquis Teague. Kobi Simmons and Vince Hunter are the team’s two-way players. In addition, Ivan Rabb and Deyonta Davis should see plenty of time there.
The Hustle host their first game on Saturday, opening an exciting new era of Memphis basketball.