The Memphis Grizzlies rebuild their roster ahead of the playoffs.
According to reporter Shams Charania of 『The Athletic』, Memphis announced that they are signing Kenneth Lofton Jr. (forward, 198cm, 125kg).
Lofton had previously signed a two-way deal. This new contract is a formal contract and is a multi-year contract. It was not confirmed if the contract would be guaranteed after the season. The deal allows Lofton to play in the playoffs. In deciding to hold Lofton, Memphis decided to release Kennedy Chandler.
Memphis decided to fill the frontcourt. This is because the current backcourt has a certain strength. Initially, the power of the big man was not far behind. However, starting center Steven Adams is out of the line with a right knee injury. don’t know when you’ll be back During the season, backup forward Brandon Clark was sidelined by an injury. The internal power is very weak.
Lofton entered the NBA ahead of this season. However, he was not called up in the draft. Memphis prepared for emergencies by having him sit down. He started to get some weight after Brandon Clark’s injury. He didn’t get many opportunities early in the season, but Lofton got his chance as Clark ended the season, and the deal made him a solid NBA player.
This season, he appeared in 23 games in the NBA. He averaged 3.4 points (.471 .400 .533) and 1.6 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game. He didn’t have a clear performance, but he was able to seize the opportunity. He didn’t make it as a backup power forward, but he made up for a leak in his inside power. Although he is not tall, he helped fill the remaining time as an undersized power forward without being pushed back in physical fights.
He has been very active in the G-League this season.바카라사이트 He averaged 22.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 30 games, and was reborn as a major force for the Memphis Hustle, a club affiliated with Memphis. Thanks to this, he was selected as the G-League Rookie of the Year and his stock price increased. During the season, he made a name for himself when he competed in the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Week.
Meanwhile, he decided to bring in Jacob Gillyard to fill the vacant position while promoting Lofton. Gillyard played for Memphis in the G-League this season. He posted 8.6 points, 8.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 49 games. This season he ranks first in assists average in the G-League.