NBA teams can now offer 10-day contracts, and these are five potential candidates that could make a quick impact with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Beginning on January 5th, all 30 NBA teams received the right to offer 10-day contracts to eligible free-agent and G-League candidates. This is an avenue the Memphis Grizzlies have had plenty of luck with in the past.
The key to 10-day contracts is that it is a sample audition in which a player receives in an attempt to climb the ladder to a permanent roster spot for the remainder of the season. A player can earn up to three 10-day contracts before the team is faced with the ultimate decision whether sign them to a guaranteed deal.
Think back to the 2015-16 NBA season, where the Grizzlies hosted an all-time league record 28 different players throughout the course of the 82-game schedule. A handful of those guys, such as Xavier Munford and Briante Weber, became instant fan favorites due to making the most of 10-day opportunities.
What is the worst that could happen? Teams should love 10-day contracts because there is very little obligation. Who knows, maybe that next 10-day recipient is the NBA’s next big surprise name?
These candidates can be youngsters — even NBA Draft picks from 2018 — that are down on their luck and looking for a golden opportunity. It may also be veterans that are deemed “washed” but looking to contribute just one more time. This is a time for instant value to be had.
Perhaps the biggest motive behind the Memphis Grizzlies recently trading away two guards in order to land Justin Holiday was to open a roster spot. Prior to the deal, Memphis was sitting at the league-maximum 15 players (aside from two two-way contracts previously filled).
The Grizzlies’ Front Office is accustomed to utilizing 10-day contracts, and it was only a matter of time until they made room for this very thing to happen. Now it is only a question of “when?” for their first 10-day contract offer of the season to be extended, along with “who?”
There is undoubtedly more of a need for help at the shooting guard position, too, considering Wednesday’s news of swingman Dillon Brooks being shut down for the remainder of the season following toe surgery. A replacement could certainly be had with a 10-day offer.
Beale Street Bears presents five names that make a lot of sense for the Memphis Grizzlies to consider if and when they pull out their 10-day contract card(s).