Year in Review: Top-4 Memphis Grizzlies Moments of 2018
By AJ Salah
Return of D.J. Stephens, the King of Dunk
Christian Dudley: “It was only right for one of the biggest legends in Memphis history to return for a regular season debut with the Memphis Grizzlies.
After University of Memphis Tigers alum D.J. Stephens became the Grizzlies’ final roster cut in 2016, it was still surprising to see them bring D.J. back in 2018, though it made perfect sense. He had greatly improved his three-point shot while with Le Mans (France) and his defensive ability had been kicked up a notch, too. He was more than a showman with dunks.
The point is, it was an unfortunate cut between a couple of deserving players in 2016. It seemed more unlikely for Stephens to make the 2018-19 roster with even more clutter on the wing positions, but the implementation of two-way contracts provided the opportunity the “King of Dunk” was seeking. Not many times you will see a team give a player a second chance, regardless of the fine details.
With December 30th’s news of the Memphis Grizzlies waiving D.J. Stephens, it is a shot in the heart for Memphians. Though he appeared in one regular season game with the Grizz, he never received a real chance to showcase his improved skill set. He personally believes he could have been a difference-maker right away, but this project is now in the past.
Next. Memphis Grizzlies News: Jarnell Stokes Replaces D.J. Stephens on Two-Way Deal. dark
It is awesome to see a player achieve his dream, and D.J.’s was to play in the regular season as a member of the Grizzlies. Though it is easy to be upset with the Front Office, there are more concerning issues to be mad about right now, such as J.B. Bickerstaff and his squad losing two games in December where they once owned a 19-point lead in each.”