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Memphis Grizzlies: Takeaways From The Utah Summer League

By Chris Kern

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 5: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on July 5, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 5: Wayne Selden #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on July 5, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies had a very successful Utah Summer League. A few players really stood out compared to the rest. Some of these guys are locks to make the team while others will look to impress during the Las Vegas Summer League the next two weeks.

They went 2-1 in there three games and played well for the most part. They really struggled defensively against San Antonio in their final game but it was still a decent performance for this team to build off of as they get ready for Vegas.

The Summer League Veterans

The Memphis Grizzlies had a few returning players to the summer league roster from a year ago. Some of them played like stars during these past few days while others struggled greatly. These guys need to play well the rest of the summer to ensure themselves a roster spot.

Deyonta Davis has been disappointing yet again. He has played with a lack of energy that a guy who’s fitting for a roster spot shouldn’t be playing with. Davis did have a good game against Utah on Tuesday though. He finished with 17 points and six boards on 8/9 shooting from the field. In their final game against the Spurs, he had four points and six boards to go with eight fouls. Yes, he had eight fouls.

Kobi Simmons is one of the guys who is looking like a breakout star this summer. He has played extremely well for the most part on both ends of the floor. He had two twenty point performances in the first two games in Utah. Simmons is a much more comfortable player this summer. He is looking to earn his way onto the Grizzlies roster, without having to settle for a two-way deal.

Wayne Selden is another guy who just stands out during the Summer leagues. He did it last year and it seems like he is doing it again this year. Selden had 26 and 20 points in the two games he played in. He didn’t play in the opener vs the Hawks. He had some injuries during the season which kept him from playing very much which is likely why they decided to have him play in the summer. Selden is going to make the team and he is a candidate to earn the starting shooting guard spot.

The 2018 Draft Picks

Jaren Jackson and Jevon Carter had their fair share of ups and downs during these games. They both played well and all Grizzlies fans are excited to see what they can do for real. These two rookies are already becoming fan favorites and they started off their Grizzlies careers the right way.

Jaren Jackson was absolutely phenomenal in the first game vs the Hawks. He led the way with 29 points on 8/13 shooting from three-point range. He struggled in the finale vs the Spurs as he finished with just 8 points on one made field goal. Jackson is a special talent and he showed that in Utah. It’ll be interesting to see how he bounces back in Las Vegas in just a couple days.

Jevon Carter had some really good moments in Utah as well. He didn’t score the ball a lot but that’s not what he was drafted 32nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s here for his defense, and his toughness and that’s what he’ll bring each, and every night. He still needs to improve on offense with his shot but he is a solid shooter his ability to defend will be enough to get him onto the floor and if he can develop a good offensive game; he could become special.

The Sleepers

Brandon Goodwin out of Florida Gulf Coast is a guy to keep an eye on. He is an exciting young guard who has played well so far. He has really good speed and is looking to sneak onto a roster spot. Goodwin was a star at Florida Gulf Coast and he will probably be in the G-League next year. Hopefully, the Grizzlies do what it takes to ensure he ends up with them.

Another guy to keep an eye on is big man William Lee out of the University of Alabama Birmingham. He is a skilled player who generally plays hard. He was a part of the team that upset 3rd seeded Iowa St as a 14 seed in 2015. Lee did look last at times on the floor but he still contributed some against the Spurs. Look for him to get some minutes in Vegas, even if its just a few. He’s a guy who isn’t really pushing to make an NBA roster, we’ll see if he’s a part of the Memphis Hustle next season.

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