Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Hustle Players To Watch For 2019-20 NBA Season
By Chris Kern
Tyler Harvey
Tyler Harvey has had a big season with the Hustle this season. He is averaging 16.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. His ability to score inside and out efficiently makes him tough to defend. Through the first 38 games, he is shooting 48% from the field including 44% from three-point range.
He played his collegiate basketball at Eastern Washington University where he was a star during his sophomore and junior seasons. In his junior season, he averaged 23.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as he led the Eagles to an NCAA Tournament appearance. He did so well that season that he decided to forgo his senior season of eligibility to enter the NBA Draft.
He was selected with the 51st in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. His past few years he has spent in the G-League as well as overseas before he has come to Memphis to join the Hustle.
He is much improved from his first G-League stint with the Erie Bayhawks a couple of years ago. His offensive game has been very impressive largely to do with his long frame. At 6’4″ he is a big guard which gives him an advantage over many of the guards he faces in the G-League.
In a February 2nd game on the road against the Iowa Wolves, we witnessed an offensive outburst from Harvey in the Hustle loss. In this game, he finished with 58 points on 18-23 shooting including 13-17 from three-point range.
That one performance is enough to show that he is worthy of consideration for an NBA roster spot. Sure it’s against lesser competition but any player who can put up those kinds of numbers should at least be considered.
The Grizzlies have a lot of guard depth but they could have big changes on next season’s roster. It’s very possible that at least some of the guys won’t be back next season and if a roster spot is available then Harvey at the very least, should be considered for one of the two-way spots.