Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Reasons To Like The Jarnell Stokes Signing
By Chris Kern
Jarnell Stokes has already played for the Memphis Grizzlies once in his career. Now he is back after being signed to a two-way contract.
Jarnell Stokes was drafted with the 35th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft after spending three seasons in college at Tennessee. He was originally selected by the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a draft night trade.
Despite coming into what seemed to be a good situation for him he was never able to find a role in his first stint with the Grizzlies. He played in 21 games over the course of two seasons before being traded to Miami.
He did start two games his rookie season but only averaged three points and two rebounds per game that season. The team gave up on him pretty quickly and he was never able to find a role on a different team.
He has only played in 28 regular season NBA games total including the 21 with Memphis. His play overseas and in the G-League has given him this chance.
Stokes is a good all-around player who has the capability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is a good rebounder which should really help this Grizzlies team.
It’s unclear how much he will play but he should be able to at least grab some rebounds which will really help this team.
For how shaky the start to his career has been he still has a chance to become a consistent player. As an undersized big in today’s game that isn’t a good three-point shooter, it will be tough but he does some of the little things that can help find him a spot in the rotation for the future.
He played high school ball in this city and has played for this team before so he knows what it will take to fit in. Expect him to play hard each time he touches the floor as he tries to find a consistent role.
The Grizzlies don’t have a lot of young talent for the future. Stokes is just 24 years old though he does turn 25 on January 7th.
He has another chance to find a role on an NBA and possibly be a part of the Grizzlies long-term plans. Here are three reasons he is a good fit and why fans should be excited.