Grizzlies’ McLemore Pens Letter About Lackluster Performance

Hoping for positive change, Ben McLemore made his departure from the Sacramento Kings last summer. After a rough season, he remains all-in for the Memphis Grizzlies. 

On Saturday afternoon, Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Ben McLemore took to social media to clear his mind.

McLemore publicly shared his thoughts that must have taken its toll on the 6’5,” five-year NBA veteran. The long message pertinent to his playing performance comes 18 days after the final game of the regular season.

The open letter — via McLemore’s personal Instagram account — read as follows:

Ben McLemore’s tenure with the Grizzlies began on a bad foot — no pun intended. He suffered an injury while preparing for the new season and missed significant time. This really derailed the fresh chemistry he wanted to build in Memphis. He will receive a re-do in 2018-19.

Initially the seventh overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, McLemore has not reached his full potential in the NBA. After struggling in Sacramento, bouncing in and out of the Kings’ rotation, the belief was that Ben needed to play within a different system.

The Memphis Grizzlies had their fair share of struggles and shortcomings in 2017-18, too, which did not commit any favors for Ben McLemore.

The former University of Kansas Jayhawk averaged a career-low 7.5 points per game on 42.1% shooting from the field. His Player Efficiency Rating continues to be extremely low (9.7 in 2017-18), even for a player receiving under 20 minutes per night.

Grizz fans own a right to be upset with Ben McLemore over his lackluster play in 2017-18, but it is time to give him a second chance. He is fully committed to the upcoming season and wants the NBA world to know that he will finally showcase his untapped potential.

Go Grizz! 

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