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Memphis Grizzlies’ G-League Affiliate is Proving to be a Good Move

By Blake Monroe

SOUTHAVEN, MS - MARCH 23: The Memphis Hustle huddle before a NBA G-League game against the South Bay Lakers on March 23, 2018 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. 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)
SOUTHAVEN, MS - MARCH 23: The Memphis Hustle huddle before a NBA G-League game against the South Bay Lakers on March 23, 2018 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. 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 Hustle, the G-League affiliate for the Memphis Grizzlies, has played a vital role for the NBA team since the expansion last year.

Before the expansion of the Memphis Hustle was in place, the Memphis Grizzlies originally relied on their first G-League affiliate with the Iowa Energy. They partnered with this team for three years from 2014 through 2017.

At the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves became the next team to retain ownership, changing the name to the Iowa Wolves. Shifting from the Energy, the Grizzlies bought the expansion rights to a new team and thus forged the Memphis Hustle — a team that plays just 15 miles from the FedEx Forum at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.

Importance of the Memphis Hustle

With the same grit and grind mentality, the Memphis Hustle, along with other G-League teams, are able to develop players on a smaller scale, making them ready for their potential debut in their Beale Street Blue uniforms.

The Memphis Grizzlies are not known for an All- Star roster or a lot of big-name players, but over recent years, they have been a dominant force in the Western Conference. This is due to this team building from within.

Having the Hustle within their structure only makes their chances even greater to have well-developed players on their roster as well as the chance to show dominance in the competitive Gatorade League. The Grizzlies are also no strangers to injuries, so having available players that Memphis can rely upon to call up to the NBA is crucial for winning games.

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For instance, this past season, one particular standout Hustle player, Myke Henry, proved why having this G-League team nearby was a great move by the Front Office. In his 20-game stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, Henry put up impressive stats of 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in 18.9 minutes per game.

Overall, the Memphis Hustle has provided a better opportunity for the Grizzlies to build on their young roster — to grow and improve through the years. Having ways in which to compete in the fierce Western Conference by strengthening players within their organization can help the Memphis Grizzlies reach the postseason for years to come. Player development looks to become a strength today when it was formerly the team’s lowest-ranking department.

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