Memphis Grizzlies: Hustle Are Led By Three Stars
By Chris Kern
Yuta Watanabe
Yuta Watanabe is the only one of these guys that have played in an NBA game. He has played in two games and his only two points came on free-throws in a win over Phoenix.
Some felt the Grizzlies signing him to a two-way contract was just a publicity stunt but he has shown that he can really play.
He is averaging 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and two assists per game. He does a little bit of everything for this team.
His three-point shooting has been a little bit of a surprise. He is shooting 43% from deep while shooting 49% overall.
His defense is what he’s known for as he was the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the year last season. He is averaging 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game with the Hustle.
He had a breakout game in a win over Fort Wayne. Brandon Goodwin hit the game-winner but it was Watanabe who was the best player that night.
He finished that game with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and four blocks. He also shot the ball extremely well from the field hitting 11-19 shots, including 6-10 from three-point range.
Related Story. Watanabe Is Key To Grizzlies Long-Term Plans. light
Memphis has trusted him enough to play a few minutes in the road win against the Bucks. It was only eight minutes but for someone who hasn’t played any real minutes, it was good to see him contribute a little bit.
The Grizzlies have themselves a really good player on a two-way contract. If he keeps playing like he has they’ll have no choice but to keep him around long-term.