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Memphis Grizzlies’ Garrett Temple Displays Fit in Africa Game

By Christian Dudley

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Garrett Temple #17 of Team World shoots the ball against Team Africa during the 2018 NBA Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa on August 4, 2018 at the Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. 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)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Garrett Temple #17 of Team World shoots the ball against Team Africa during the 2018 NBA Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa on August 4, 2018 at the Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. 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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Not only did Garrett Temple represent the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2018 NBA Africa Game, but he showed fans what he will bring to the table.

Meet the Memphis Grizzlies’ newest member of the roster, Garrett Temple. He is not the biggest name in the league. He is not the biggest name on the Grizzlies’ roster either. However, he may very well be the next fan favorite in Memphis.

The Sacramento Kings did a huge favor for the Grizzlies’ Front Office. They took back Ben McLemore after a horrid season. In the same deal, they accepted an NBA Draft bust in Deyonta Davis. Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the deal watching the Kings agree to send Garrett Temple to Memphis. Sacramento is known to have a bizarre front office, and this deal reaffirms that idea. It was a major all-around win for the Grizz.

Casual NBA fans typically skip over a guy like Temple. In 2009, he began his NBA career by dueling in the Developmental League. He became a journeyman through various call-ups. Nothing was easily handed to Garrett Temple. It was not until the 2012-13 season that the LSU product solidified a role in the association. For four seasons, he was a reliable competitor for the Washington Wizards.

When it comes to reserve guards in the NBA, there are few better than Garrett Temple. He is equally solid on both ends of the floor. He hustles. He makes the extra pass. Amazingly enough, Temple has the ability to create his own shot within the second unit if necessary. He truly fits the mold of what Grizz Nation considers to be an ideal member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

On Saturday, Temple accepted the invitation to participate in the 2018 NBA Africa Game. He, along with the Memphis Grizzlies’ newly-introduced full-time head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, represented the franchise in Pretoria, South Africa. They joined a handful of other NBA personnel for the annual charitable event. View a few of Garrett Temple’s top plays at the 0:45, 0:55, and 3:20 marks in the video directly below.

Garrett Temple’s Team World would go on to win the contest by a final score of 96-92. The latest Grizzly chipped in 11 points (4/8 shooting), three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes of action. Though this was a fun game of sorts, the Memphis Grizzlies can expect this type of performance by Temple on a nightly basis. Another key to consider is Temple finished the game down the stretch for his winning team. This array of basketball displayed by Garrett is who he became for the Wizards and Kings.

In taking a broad look at Garrett Temple’s time with Washington and Sacramento, you will see that he has gotten better with age. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 24.4, 26.6, and 24.8 minutes per game, respectively. His scoring output has increased by the tune of 7.3, 7.8, and 8.4 points per game, respectively. Similarly, Temple has consistently produced averages greater than two boards, two assists, and nearly one swipe per contest. Though he is accustomed to coming off the bench, he immediately gets to work to fill the stat sheet and boost his squad.

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Perhaps the most impressive statistics in the eyes of the Memphis Grizzlies would be his shooting accuracy. This aspect has obviously been a desirable area for the Grizz to fill in seasons’ pasts. However, most times the club strikes out when taking a gamble to satisfy this need. For example, look no further than the case of Ben McLemore. Shooting 41.8% from the field in 2017-18, Garrett Temple achieved a career-high 39.2% accuracy from long-range. Despite not being a big name or a young Draft pick, Temple gets the job done — and he is consistent at that.

To top it off, Garrett oftentimes participates in community work and other charitable events. Not only does he grind on the court, but he puts in the same amount of effort off it. He is made to be a favorite of the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base. It is almost a certainty that it will not take long for his name to become popular on Beale Street. This particular summertime trade was already sweet, but it is likely to only get sweeter from here.

Go Grizz! 

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