Following an injury-riddled 2023-24 season that saw the Memphis Grizzlies finish the season with a 27-55 record, not much was positive heading into that offseason. The anticipation of a healthier team returning to the floor the next season was the biggest positive awaiting the team, but they had a couple of young players who stood out.
Vince Williams Jr. began his career on a two-way contract after being drafted with the 47th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of VCU. GG Jackson was a rookie second-round pick that season, which began on a two-way contract also. Both players showed more promise than those drafted in higher positions than them, paving the way for them to become rotational members last season.
However, the injury bug struck both players and limited their effectiveness upon their returns to the lineup as another rookie second-round pick, Jaylen Wells, surpassed them in the wing rotation pecking order. At age 20 and with his 6'9" frame, GG Jackson has been recognized as a player the team wants to develop as a potential big-time player down the road.
On the flip side, the Grizzlies made a plethora of offseason moves in the guard/wing positions that all but guarantee that Vince Williams Jr. won't have the same opportunity moving forward.
There is virtually no path to playing time
Vince Williams Jr. is listed at 6'4" with a near 7'0" and is known as an aggressive defensive player at the point of attack. The Grizzlies needed that player to show up down the stretch of last season when they lost their defensive identity, but it never manifested itself. 6'1" Scotty Pippen Jr. became the guy the team relied on in that position, and he will remain as that guy moving forward.
The team also added offensive sparks in Ty Jerome and upgraded sharpshooter Cam Spencer from a two-way contract to the main roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was also brought in as the ultimate 3-and-D veteran wing, with Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson both returning to garner minutes at the wing positions. Rookie lottery pick Cedric Coward is also expected to contribute and be prioritized in the development department.
So, where does this leave Vince Williams Jr.? Unfortunately, the NBA is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and his last appearance in real time wasn't good. Also, the NBA loves younger guys who can develop, and he is 25 years old with development still needed. He remains on the roster and could be a great back-end option if injuries become a problem again in the backcourt and wing positions, but the team has made its stance on his expectations to contribute in the regular rotation.