A newfound video depicts the athleticism of NBA superstar Blake Griffin, but provides a blast from the past involving a current member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
This week’s highlight has been the two-day USA Basketball Mini Camp in Las Vegas. Therefore, it is only fitting that the NBA uncovered footage old footage from a similar Team USA camp.
Unfortunately for fans of the Memphis Grizzlies, Blake Griffin is the focal point within the video. However, this was prior to his involvement in the bad blood shared between his (former) Los Angeles Clippers and the Grizz. Cool dunk or not, the funny portion of the video falls on the audience. The large group of kids featured in the clip are now a slew of today’s NBA stars. Take a look for yourself directly below.
You might notice some familiar faces react to @BlakeGriffin23's MONSTER SLAMS at 2012 @USABasketball Camp! #NBADunkWeek pic.twitter.com/UrYeD1GF2C
— NBA (@NBA) July 27, 2018
This is a blast from the past for NBA basketball fans. It truly feels just like yesterday that some of these guys were drafted. It is hilarious to see how goofy some of these guys were; the footage is very surreal. How did they reach multi-million dollar contracts?! This short clip will definitely make you feel old. Check out the transformations these players have went through in just a few years — literally boys to men.
As you watch the video, notice familiar names pop up if you are a Memphis Grizzlies fan. Wayne Selden makes an appearance. At the time during his high school days, Selden was ranked 12th nationally in the Class of 2013 by Rivals.com.
More from Beale Street Bears
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
Additionally, several former members of the Grizzlies were also in attendance during this Blake Griffin dunk session. One of these ex-Grizzlies is none other than Jarell Martin, who was recently traded from Memphis to Orlando. Remember Troy Williams out of Indiana University? He is featured as well.
One of the most surprising names found within the group of high schoolers is Xavier Rathan-Mayes. Xavier appeared in five regular season games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017-18 after signing a 10-day contract with them on March 5th, 2018. He was an intriguing prospect that could very well come into play with the team’s G-League affiliate (Memphis Hustle) again in the future. Though Rathan-Mayes was not widely recognized when Memphis first called his name, he was a top-30 high school prospect when this video was filmed.
Go Grizz!