Rockets steal ideal wing target from Memphis Grizzlies
By Mark Nilon
![Feb 12, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins asks an official a question during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Feb 12, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins asks an official a question during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ece3f9549608910f1abd93087fb0d1b2ab898c543a29b3c60598de22b6451049.jpg)
For the better part of this offseason, one of the more polarizing talking points relating to this Memphis Grizzlies team heading into 2023-24 is that they find themselves without any semblance of a proven and reliable option to slot into their starting wing position.
With the departure of Dillon Brooks via sign-and-trade to the Houston Rockets back in early July, Taylor Jenkins’ club is now in search of a successor at the three. Over the past few months, there have been several individuals tabbed as being possible replacements for the All-Defensive talent, with names ranging from internal players to outsourced talents.
Recently, a specific player who seemed to be an ideal fit for Memphis’ vacancy due to his skill set and presumed price tag hit the open waters of NBA free agency, as 11-year veteran Reggie Bullock was waived by the San Antonio Spurs on September 30.
Known for his trusty 3-and-D play, the 32-year-old was tabbed by us at BSB as a tremendous target for GM Zach Kleiman and company to pursue considering his solid career averages of 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 38.4 percent shooting from distance coupled with his ample postseason experience.
Unfortunately, his stint in the free agency market didn’t last all that long, as it was reported on Tuesday, October 3 that the wing’s services had been scooped up by another Western Conference club.
Ideal Grizzlies target Reggie Bullock signs with Houston Rockets in free agency
Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Bullock “plans to sign with the Houston Rockets after he clears waivers.”
Free agent Reggie Bullock plans to sign with the Houston Rockets after he clears waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Bullock – a 38.4% 3-point shooter over 10 NBA seasons – fielded interest from several teams following buyout and gives Houston a reliable 3&D wing. pic.twitter.com/S75ORwiBsX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 3, 2023
With this move, the Rockets have now not only created this rotational hole found at the three position for the Grizzlies but have also kept said hole unpatched by scooping up the cost-efficient Bullock as well.
With this, barring a surprise trade, it appears the most likely scenario for Memphis is that they’ll be promoting from within when searching for their new starting small forward.