Unfortunately, this off-season, the Memphis Grizzlies’ starting front court of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey both sustained injuries that could potentially keep them unavailable to start the season. Jackson Jr. suffered a turf toe injury that required surgery, while Edey re-sprained his left ankle, which prompted him to get ankle surgery in hopes of stabilizing it.
As a result, Memphis had to pivot. Their big rotation was looking thin without Edey and Jackson Jr., so Memphis examined the market and acquired multiple bigs to perform in their place. They signed both Jock Landale and PJ Hall on team-friendly deals that added depth in the frontcourt while maintaining financial flexibility.
Landale signed a one-year minimum deal, while Hall was signed to a two-way deal in July. Hall is coming off a season where he played with the Denver Nuggets, also on a two-way deal. Hall made 19 NBA appearances but only played 3.5 minutes per game, averaging 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds. He saw the majority of his action with Denver’s G League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold. In 13 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 2.4 assists in 31.5 minutes per game.
Despite his stellar play, Hall was released following the expiration of his two-way contract. He found himself in the Charlotte Hornets' summer league and had a strong showing. In five games, he averaged 9.5 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just 13.7 minutes per game. His performance impressed Memphis so much that he was announced to be signed hours before Charlotte’s summer league championship games.
All the tools are there
When you watch film on Hall, intangibles jump off the screen. His athleticism, strength, intensity, and versatility on both ends of the floor have been his calling card since being in the NBA. He has shown the ability to play above the rim, guard multiple positions, and stretch the floor by hitting the outside shot. He’s the archetype of the modern-day big man.
With Edey and Jackson Jr. potentially out to start the season, no bigs on the Grizzlies' roster have that combination of skills. He will likely be splitting time between Southaven (Memphis Hustle) and Memphis (Grizzlies), but early on, he will have more opportunities to cement a role on this team. His style of play fits well with Tuomas Iisalo’s free-flowing, pick-and-roll offense. Don’t be surprised if Hall thrives in this system and is upgraded to a full-time member of the team later in the season.