Top-Five Moments of Jarell Martin’s Memphis Grizzlies Career

Brendan Smart: It is all fun and games until the Memphis Grizzlies receive a visit from the Houston Rockets. The James Harden-led Rockets are not quite the foe that Memphis has formed a long line of history against (looking at you, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers). Nonetheless, the Grizzlies tend to bring out their best when Houston is on the menu.

The case was no different on December 23rd, 2016. The Memphis Grizzlies were heading toward the “W” and Jarell Martin put on the finishing touch. Or should we say, “slam?” Take a look at the filthy put-back dunk in the video directly below.

The departure of Jarell Martin is more than just getting rid of an expiring contract. It is the departure of someone who handled everyone in the area of Memphis with grace. I picked the highlight above because nobody saw this put-back slam coming.

Andrew Harrison was rushing at James Harden and two other members of the Houston Rockets by himself. Jarell Martin was trailing. Grizz Nation had heard about Martin’s athleticism, but at this point, many had never really seen him come out of his shell. On this one-on-three fastbreak, Jarell had his brother’s back.

“He [Harrison] is going right at Harden. He’s going to miss it. AND JARELL MARTIN!” This was the play-by-play call by Memphis Grizzlies’ analyst Pete Pranica. “Timeout, Houston!” That night felt like Jarell Martin brought everyone off their couch and on to their feet. Fans of the Grizzlies became partial to the LSU product at this point.

Jarell Martin’s hustle was not present on just this particular play. He was electric in his 15 minutes of action versus Houston. He finished the game with a season-high +18 on the night. The Memphis Grizzlies would go on to win the match by a final score of 109-115.