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3 ex-players Grizzlies would benefit from having this season

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Yuta Watanabe of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Yuta Watanabe of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2. Yuta Watanabe

Don’t worry, no one will judge you if you had zero clue Yuta Watanabe was ever a member of the Grizzlies organization.

Considering he saw action in a mere 33 games with the varsity team and spent time in the G League with the Memphis Hustle during his two-year stint, it’s easy to understand why one may have missed him playing in Grind City between the years 2018 through 2020.

Nevertheless, he was a member at one point in time and, with his production during the years since his departure, Watanabe has proven himself to be a quality role player at the small forward position who can shoot at an extremely efficient level from beyond the arc, both of which are things Jenkins’ rotation desperately needs at the moment.

Last season easily proved to be his best in the league, as he went on to post 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on a whopping 49.1 percent shooting from the field and 44.4 percent from distance in just 16 minutes a night with the Brooklyn Nets.

As a result of his efforts, this summer he was rewarded with a two-year, $5 million deal to serve as a contributor within the title-hopeful Phoenix Suns’ rotation.

Being Memphis still finds itself with a vacancy at the three position and is coming off a season where they ranked eighth-worst in three-point percentage (35.1) despite hoisting up the 11-most attempts (2,807), Watanabe would be a solid talent to have in tow coming into 2023-24.

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