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Memphis Grizzlies: Takeaways from first weekend of Hustle basketball

By Chip Crain

MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 29: Ben McLemore of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a press conference on August 29, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - AUGUST 29: Ben McLemore of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a press conference on August 29, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ G-League team — the Hustle — debuted this weekend, and it was a great experience. How did the team look?

The Memphis Grizzlies G-League franchise have begun play in Southaven at the Landers Center. For a fraction of the cost, headache and inconvenience, you can watch future NBA players playing professional basketball.

The Memphis Hustle opened play last weekend with two games on Saturday and Sunday. The team put on excellent exhibitions of basketball in both games and were very entertaining. Kobi Simmons, Ivan Rabb, Vince Hunter and Trashon Burrell all have already scored at least 20 points in a game. Marquis Teague came just short with 19 in the opener.

The game is fast-paced like an NBA game. The 3-point line is at NBA distance. Teams play mostly man-to-man defense too. This isn’t college basketball. Everyone on the court gets paid to play and not by shoe companies or boosters.

Sure there are some players who likely will never wear an NBA uniform, but some of those players will likely become fan favorites — like Stubby Clapp did for the Cardinals. This franchise is very similar to the Redbirds in many ways. This is where the players come up to get their final opportunity to polish any imperfections. JaMychal Green and Wayne Selden both worked their ways up to the NBA playing in the D-League. Every night there’ll be someone in the game who will be an NBA player soon.

The Hustle is also where current NBA players will go to get back into shape for the NBA after injury. That’s exactly what Ben McLemore, who’s been laid up with a broken foot since August, is doing. First looks at McLemore will be in Southaven, not Memphis, so fans should go and see what the new long-range shooter can do.

Enough of the sale talk.

Early Notes

The facts are the games are worth the price of admission for any sports fans who simply want to see good basketball. The Hustle’s first two games were decided by a total of seven points. The Hustle dropped their opener 120-116 before winning the second game 102-99.

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Ivan Rabb is averaging a double-double so far (18 PPG and 13.5 RPG), while blocking 2.5 shot attempts per game. The Grizzlies first seco-nd round pick in the 2017 draft is working into shape with the Hustle. There should also be some motivation after seeing how Dillon Brooks — the Grizzlies’ other second-round draft pick in the 2017 draft — is playing with the big team.

Kobi Simmons, the Grizzlies’ two-way contract player, is making a name for himself as well, averaging 19 PPG and 5.5 APG. Simmons did have a small injury scare in the first quarter of Sunday’s game but came back to play a large role in the outcome of the game.

No, this isn’t NBA action. A Hustle game is fan-friendly, entertaining and cost-effective. It’s not trying to compete against Grizzlies fans either. Their games are for people who struggle to get to FedxEx Forum for a game. People also want to see players they recognize (Memphian and University of Memphis product Austin Nichols). Finally, it’s a chance to see a future NBA player before they achieve their dream and officially make a team.

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