Memphis Grizzlies: How the rookies looked in first Summer League game

Before the Memphis Grizzlies head to the Las Vegas Summer League, the team is making a three-game pit stop to compete in the 2022 Salt Lake City Summer League.

The Grizzlies are joined by the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Philadelphia 76ers at Vivint Arena to showcase the talents of recently acquired draft picks, young players in need of developmental time, and scores of players competing for another opportunity with a G-League team.

Kennedy Chandler, Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia, and Xavier Tillman Sr. started for the Grizzlies in the team’s first Summer League game of the season. While the three main-roster players and their ups and downs in the game, we’re focusing on the newcomers for this piece.

Let’s take a look at the five rookies who will be on the opening night roster and how they fared in their first game as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

How did Jake LaRavia look in his first game for the Memphis Grizzlies?

The No. 19 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Jake LaRavia, played 24 minutes in the win over Philadelphia.

The 6’7″ forward started the game and logged 24 minutes. He finished the game with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. He was impressive from behind the arc, shooting 4 for 7 (57.1%).

It’s only the first game, but LaRavia made smart decisions for the most part. He gave us a glimpse of what he can do and why the Grizzlies made some moves to ensure they acquired him on draft night.

LaRavia’s play in Summer League is going to have added emphasis with Jaren Jackson Jr. going down with an offseason injury. It’s widely thought that he could compete for the starting job with a solid Summer League and training camp later in the year.

How David Roddy fared in his first game for the Memphis Grizzlies

The former Colorado State product came off the bench for Memphis, logging 17 minutes of action.

He struggled the most of all the signed rookies on the team in game one, racking up 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He had a tough shooting night, going 1 for 6 from the field.

Roddy found other ways to be effective since his shot wasn’t falling, keeping the ball moving and hustling on defense.

Fortunately, one game does not make or break a rookie. There will be another game tomorrow and Roddy will bounce back and be ready to rock.

How Kennedy Chandler looked in his first game for the Memphis Grizzlies

The former Tennessee Vol started for the game and had a great outing in his first game as a NBA player. Chandler logged 23 minutes as the point guard and playing off-ball while Ziaire Williams experimented with handling point guard duties for several possessions.

Chandler finished the game with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He shot an efficient 4 of 8 from the field, never forcing his shot.

Kennedy Chandler ended up recorded the game-sealing steal in the final seconds of the game to enable Memphis to walk away with a win in his debut for the Grizzlies.

But, it was his block early in the fourth quarter that ended up being the highlight of the game. The swat looked very similar to ones we’ve seen from his mentor, Ja Morant, who happened to be sitting courtside watching the game.

Morant went viral earlier in the day for a hefty tip that he left for a hard-working waitress in a video uploaded to social media.

Even though Tyus Jones has returned to the team, if he continues to stuff the stat sheet like he did in his debut, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins will have to find some ways to get him on the court during the regular season.

How Vince Williams Jr. looked in his first game for Memphis Grizzlies

If you believe in positive knee-jerk reactions (if there ever were such a thing), here’s one: the Grizzlies may have found a diamond in the rough in Vince Williams, selected No. 47 overall in last month’s draft.

In just over 16 minutes of action, the left-handler recorded 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks off the bench. His shooting was outstanding, connecting on 3 of his 4 attempts from beyond the arc vs the 76ers.

Williams has been signed to a two-way contract, so he’ll be able to float seamlessly between the Hustle and the Grizzlies throughout the regular season. But, if he can knock down shots this accurately and defend really well, Jenkins will find time for him to give him minutes during the regular season.

How Kenneth Lofton Jr. performed in game one for the Memphis Grizzlies

Fellow two-way contract recipient Kenneth Lofton Jr. had a solid showing for the Grizzlies, too.

The former Louisiana Tech standout competed for 15 minutes off the bench, chipping in 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block. He was effective shooting the ball, going 4 of 5 from the field, including one sequence that looked like he was ready to tear the rim down if he was a half step quicker.

Lofton is going to be a ton of fun to watch down in Southaven. You can see why the Grizzlies took a gamble on him and want to see if they can develop him into a contributor on the main roster.