Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Two Former Memphis Grizzlies Headline Season Two of BIG3 League

By Christian Dudley

DALLAS, TX - AUGUST 17: Power Chris Andersen #11 pulls down a rebound during the Big 3 Basketball playoff game between the Power and the Tri-State on August 17, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Power defeats Tri-State 51-49. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - AUGUST 17: Power Chris Andersen #11 pulls down a rebound during the Big 3 Basketball playoff game between the Power and the Tri-State on August 17, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Power defeats Tri-State 51-49. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
DALLAS, TX – JULY 30: Coach Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving of Tri-State meets with Bonzi Wells #6 during the game against the 3 Headed Monsters during week six of the BIG3 three on three basketball league at American Airlines Center on July 30, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/BIG3/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JULY 30: Coach Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving of Tri-State meets with Bonzi Wells #6 during the game against the 3 Headed Monsters during week six of the BIG3 three on three basketball league at American Airlines Center on July 30, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/BIG3/Getty Images) /

The Eight

The Memphis Grizzlies (including the Vancouver days) are well-represented in the BIG3 league, especially for a franchise that has been in existence for only 23 years. In essence, being one of the youngest teams in the NBA, there has not been many seasons for there to be a long list of “legends” developed from the Grizzlies record books. Their history is still being written.

Regardless, eight former members of past Grizzlies rosters took to the hardwood within the BIG3 league in 2018. A few are very recognizable; however, a few spent very little time with the Grizz during their prime hooping days. The list includes the following names (followed by their BIG3 team title):

Most recently, Dahntay Jones has suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though he has not played many games or minutes in his most recent stint in the NBA, he is an agitator. That is a key reason why he is a great fit for the BIG3 league. It adds to the entertainment factor. Plus, BIG3 only wants players with passion for the game, and Jones definitely fits the bill in that aspect.

As for the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base, Grizz Nation should recognize Mike Bibby from the sidelines during the 2018 NBA Summer League games. He has bounced between BIG3 action and following his father’s footsteps in the coaching career path. It will be interesting to see if he continues to stick with BIG3 or if he finally makes the leap to a suit-and-tie coaching role. If coaching is the ultimate decision, it is worth keeping an eye on where he lands. If the NBA is the choice, there is probably a good chance it will be with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Most notably, Bonzi Wells returned to the BIG3 in Season Two. No, Wells was not contemplating a return to the NBA. His return in Season Two is surprising because of a personal health issue sustained nearly one year ago. Bonzi suffered a heart attack at the age of 40, but has worked hard to continue wearing his basketball jersey. It is truly incredible that he is pushing onward and did not give up after the major setback.

Home/Grizzlies News