Memphis Grizzlies: Ben McLemore G-League debut scheduled for Sunday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ben McLemore set to make 2017-2018 season debut Sunday playing with the Memphis Hustle.
Thursday afternoon, Jon Roser of “Grind City Media” announced that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ben McLemore would make his 2017-2018 season debut for the Memphis Hustle in Southhaven on Sunday. McLemore will make his debut against the Salt Lake City Stars, affiliated with the Utah Jazz.
For one, with the expansion of the G-League, the rehab assignment could become a common trend. We’ve seen it in baseball plenty of times, but it could later make it’s way to the NBA. It overall makes a better product since the returning player isn’t hurting the team when shedding rust. In addition, the returning player also draws attention to the G-League team — a squad usually depleted of big names.
The Grizzlies are relying on McLemore to fill a scoring need at the shooting guard position. Right now, they have little-to-no shooting or playmaking around Conley and Gasol in the starting 5. Replacing Harrison with McLemore will be huge simply because he’s a way better shooter than the current starting shooting guard. Not to mention, he can put the ball on the ground and finish at the rim.
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Yes, it’s only the G-league, but McLemore is going to get some great in-game reps that can be monitored really well. Also, head coach David Fizdale won’t have to worry about fitting McLemore into the rotation throughout the road trip these next five games. Instead, McLemore can condition for games without impacting the Grizzlies’ current rotation at all. So, when he number is called upon, he’ll be ready for the moment.