The Memphis Grizzlies are back in Las Vegas to defend their summer league crown.
They will be without former SLMVP Brandon Clarke, but are still loaded with young talent. Let’s take a look at the Grizzlies roster as well as some players to watch for as their opponents.
The 2021 NBA Draft didn’t go as expected within the fanbase. The Grizzlies front office decided to take a big swing in drafting Ziaire Williams while jumping back into the first round and drafting Santi Aldama. Summer League will be our first look as these players in a Memphis jersey, so there will be a lot of interest in these games.
Summer League features all 30 NBA teams playing five games each. After every team plays four games, the two teams with the best records from the first four games will meet in the Championship Game on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. on ESPN. If the Grizzlies do not finish with a top-two record, they will then play another game on Aug. 16 or 17 decided by various factors, including team rivalries, broadcast interest and other scheduling considerations
NBA Summer League Breakdown
| Date | Opponent | Tip-off (CT) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 9 | Brooklyn Nets | 4:00 p.m. on ESPN2 |
| Wednesday, August 11 | Miami Heat | 4:00 p.m. on NBA TV |
| Friday, August 13 | Sacramento Kings | 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU |
| Sunday, August 15 | Chicago Bulls | 9:00 p.m. on NBA TV |
Brooklyn Nets
| PLAYER | # | POS | HT | WT | BIRTHDATE | AGE | EXP | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reggie Perry | 0 | F | 6-8 | 250 lbs | MAR 21, 2000 | 21 | 1 | Mississippi State |
| Cam Thomas | 8 | G | 6-4 | 210 lbs | OCT 13, 2001 | 19 | R | Louisiana State |
| Kessler Edwards | 14 | F | 6-8 | 215 lbs | AUG 09, 2000 | 20 | R | Pepperdine |
| Marcus Zegarowski | 17 | G | 6-2 | 181 lbs | AUG 03, 1998 | 23 | R | Creighton |
| David Duke | 20 | G | 6-5 | 205 lbs | OCT 13, 1999 | 21 | R | Providence |
| Day’Ron Sharpe | 21 | C | 6-11 | 265 lbs | NOV 06, 2001 | 19 | R | North Carolina |
| Jordan Bowden | 22 | G | 6-5 | 193 lbs | JAN 20, 1997 | 24 | R | Tennessee |
| Alize Johnson | 24 | F | 6-7 | 212 lbs | APR 22, 1996 | 25 | 3 | Missouri State |
| Brandon Knight | 27 | G | 6-2 | 182 lbs | DEC 02, 1991 | 29 | 8 | Kentucky |
| Chris Silva | 30 | F | 6-8 | 234 lbs | SEP 19, 1996 | 24 | 2 | South Carolina |
| Kaiser Gates | 31 | F | 6-7 | 225 lbs | NOV 08, 1996 | 24 | R | Xavier |
| RaiQuan Gray | 34 | F | 6-8 | 260 lbs | JUL 07, 1999 | 22 | R | Florida State |
| Quinndary Weatherspoon | 35 | G | 6-3 | 205 lbs | SEP 10, 1996 | 24 | 2 | Mississippi State |
| Brandon Rachal | 40 | G | 6-6 | 220 lbs | SEP 30, 1999 | 21 | R | Tulsa |
Cam Thomas
W A L K I N G B U C K E T !
Thomas was the player I wanted the Grizzlies to go after at pick 17 before the trade. He will get up a bunch of shots and is considered a volume shooter. Summer League could be his playground if his shot is dialed in. There may be a flood of threes between Desmond Bane and Thomas in this game.
Day’Ron Sharpe
Sharpe is a legit back-to-the-basket center with his low-post execution as his biggest strength. He is also a very good rebounder with shot-blocking ability. He does, however, struggle with his outside game both offensively and defensively. Xavier Tillman will have his hands full with him, but will also have a good chance to show just how dominant he can be in his second year.
Kessler Edwards
Edwards was a draft darling in the second round of many mock-draft experts. He doesn’t wow you in any aspect of his game, but he is a player that can help you win games. Summer League will be a great spot for Edwards to show the influence he has on his team on the court. If I’m looking for a guy who’s going to do a little bit of everything for Memphis, then I’m looking at John Konchar.
Miami Heat
| PLAYER | # | POS | HT | WT | BIRTHDATE | AGE | EXP | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabe Vincent | 2 | G | 6-3 | 195 lbs | JUN 14, 1996 | 25 | 2 | California-Santa Barbara |
| KZ Okpala | 11 | F | 6-8 | 215 lbs | APR 28, 1999 | 22 | 2 | Stanford |
| Max Strus | 31 | G-F | 6-5 | 220 lbs | MAR 28, 1996 | 25 | 2 | DePaul |
| Javonte Smart | 50 | G | 6-4 | 205 lbs | JUN 03, 1999 | 22 | R | Louisiana State |
| Marcus Garrett | 51 | G | 6-5 | 205 lbs | NOV 09, 1998 | 22 | R | Kansas |
| DeJon Jarreau | 53 | G | 6-5 | 185 lbs | JAN 23, 1998 | 23 | R | Houston |
| Dru Smith | 54 | G | 6-3 | 200 lbs | DEC 30, 1997 | 23 | R | Missouri |
| Tyson Carter | 57 | G | 6-4 | 175 lbs | JAN 14, 1998 | 23 | R | Mississippi State |
| A.J. Lawson | 58 | G | 6-6 | 180 lbs | JUL 15, 2000 | 21 | R | South Carolina |
| R.J. Nembhard | 59 | G | 6-5 | 200 lbs | MAR 22, 1999 | 22 | R | Texas Christian |
| D.J. Stewart Jr. | 60 | G-F | 6-6 | 205 lbs | JUL 28, 1999 | 22 | R | Mississippi State |
| Justin Smith | 61 | F | 6-7 | 230 lbs | MAR 01, 1999 | 22 | R | Arkansas |
| Micah Potter | 65 | F-C | 6-10 | 250 lbs | APR 06, 1998 | 23 | R | Wisconsin |
| Omer Yurtseven | 77 | C | 7-0 | 265 lbs | JUN 19, 1998 | 23 | R | Georgetown |
Omer Yurtseven
Yurtseven looked good in his Utah Summer League debut. His has length, size and scoring potential around the basket. His offense is his strength, so if he can develop his defense he will have a good shot at getting real minutes during the regular season. Yurtseven, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and KZ Okpala are the only real players on this Heat roster, so expect them to carry the load. Nonetheless, Killian Tillie and Xavier Tillman will have their hands full in his game.
Sacramento Kings
| PLAYER | # | POS | HT | WT | BIRTHDATE | AGE | EXP | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahmi’us Ramsey | 3 | G | 6-2 | 195 lbs | JUN 09, 2001 | 20 | R | Texas Tech |
| Robert Woodard II | 13 | F | 6-7 | 235 lbs | SEP 22, 1999 | 21 | 1 | Mississippi State |
| Davion Mitchell | 15 | G | 6-2 | 205 lbs | SEP 05, 1998 | 22 | R | Baylor |
| Ade Murkey | 17 | G | 6-5 | 200 lbs | JAN 29, 1998 | 23 | R | Iowa Wolves |
| Louis King | 23 | F | 6-7 | 205 lbs | APR 06, 1999 | 22 | 1 | Oregon |
| Chimezie Metu | 25 | F | 6-9 | 225 lbs | MAR 22, 1997 | 24 | 3 | Southern California |
| Emanuel Terry | 26 | F | 6-9 | 220 lbs | AUG 21, 1996 | 24 | 1 | Agua Caliente |
| Marcus Graves | 31 | G | 6-1 | 187 lbs | JUN 09, 1996 | 25 | R | Salt Lake City Stars |
| DJ Steward | 32 | G | 6-2 | 163 lbs | OCT 02, 2001 | 19 | R | Duke |
| Damien Jefferson | 33 | F | 6-5 | 220 lbs | OCT 03, 1997 | 23 | R | Creighton |
| Matt Coleman | 34 | G | 6-2 | 180 lbs | JAN 22, 1998 | 23 | R | Texas |
| Johnathan Williams | 41 | F | 6-9 | 228 lbs | MAY 22, 1995 | 26 | 2 | Niners Chemnitz(Germany) |
| Alex Antetokounmpo | 43 | F | 6-8 | 214 lbs | AUG 26, 2001 | 19 | R | UCAM Murcia (Spain) |
| Princepal Singh | 45 | F | 6-9 | 221 lbs | JAN 03, 2001 | 20 | R | NBA G League Ignite |
| Neemias Queta | 88 | C | 7-0 | 245 lbs | JUL 13, 1999 | 22 | R | Utah State |
Davion Mitchell
Mitchell has been one of the most polarizing players in this year’s draft. His draft stock was high for some and low for others. How he performs in Summer League will be an early look into how he will adjust to the NBA game. Mitchell has a really good chance to get as many shots up as he wants. This matchup will be a very good opportunity for Grizzlies players to show how good they can be defensively.
DJ Steward
Steward already plays the game with a chip on his shoulder, but after going undrafted, expect this to be a breakout time for him. He is an undersized guard who can really shoot the ball well from beyond the arc. With his spot on the team not guaranteed, Steward will need to show his shooting stroke to get picked up on a two-way deal.
Neemias Queta
A monster among men!
Queta is a force in the paint and will be a good test for Tillman. Queta is very good around the basket and can pass well for a big man. He does struggle defensively out on the perimeter, so the Grizzlies will look to space the floor to take away his size and strength.
Chicago Bulls
| PLAYER | # | POS | HT | WT | BIRTHDATE | AGE | EXP | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Daly | 00 | G | 6-5 | 225 lbs | JAN 06, 1998 | 23 | R | St. Joseph’s (PA) |
| Jaylen Adams | 2 | G | 6-0 | 225 lbs | MAY 04, 1996 | 25 | 2 | St. Bonaventure |
| Devon Dotson | 3 | G | 6-2 | 185 lbs | AUG 02, 1999 | 22 | 1 | Kansas |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 12 | G | 6-5 | 200 lbs | JAN 17, 2000 | 21 | R | Illinois-Urbana-Champaign |
| Jerome Robinson | 13 | G | 6-4 | 190 lbs | FEB 22, 1997 | 24 | 3 | Boston College |
| Omari Spellman | 14 | C-F | 6-8 | 245 lbs | JUL 21, 1997 | 24 | 2 | Villanova |
| Ethan Thompson | 15 | G | 6-5 | 195 lbs | MAY 04, 1999 | 22 | R | Oregon State |
| Tyler Bey | 16 | F | 6-7 | 215 lbs | FEB 10, 1998 | 23 | 1 | Colorado |
| Marko Simonovic | 19 | C | 6-11 | 220 lbs | OCT 15, 1999 | 21 | R | Mega Basket |
| Sterling Manley | 22 | F-C | 6-11 | 250 lbs | DEC 18, 1998 | 22 | R | North Carolina |
| Troy Baxter Jr. | 25 | F | 6-9 | 200 lbs | MAR 05, 1996 | 25 | R | Morgan State |
| Patrick Williams | 44 | F | 6-8 | 227 lbs | AUG 26, 2001 | 19 | 1 | Florida State |
| Simi Shittu | 77 | F | 6-10 | 240 lbs | NOV 07, 1999 | 21 | R | Vanderbilt |
Ayo Dosunmu
Ayo is a very good athlete that can finish at the rim very well. The Bulls are expected to take a step forward this year, so if he can adjust to the NBA game quickly, then Ayo could be a rotational player for them. Dosunmu’s defense will be a very good test for Desmond Bane since he projects to be a high-level defender.
This game could be the Grizzlies’ crucible of the summer.
Patrick Williams
The No. 4 pick in last year’s draft seemed to be a reach for Williams. This will be his first Summer League, and a great chance to develop into the player the Bulls expect him to be. Williams averaged nine points per game last season, so expect him to average 20+ this summer. Killian Tillie will likely draw the matchup against Williams. This could be a chance for Tillie to show — when healthy — just how good he could be with the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies
| PLAYER | # | POS | HT | WT | BIRTHDATE | AGE | EXP | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo Weems | 0 | F | 6-7 | 210 lbs | JUN 09, 2001 | 20 | R | DePaul |
| Anthony Cowan Jr. | 1 | G | 6-0 | 170 lbs | OCT 07, 1997 | 23 | R | Maryland |
| Xavier Tillman Sr. | 2 | F-C | 6-8 | 245 lbs | JAN 12, 1999 | 22 | 1 | Michigan State |
| Yves Pons | 5 | G-F | 6-6 | 215 lbs | MAY 07, 1999 | 22 | R | Tennessee |
| Ahmad Caver | 7 | G | 6-2 | 174 lbs | SEP 12, 1996 | 24 | R | Old Dominion |
| Ziaire Williams | 8 | G-F | 6-9 | 185 lbs | SEP 12, 2001 | 19 | R | Stanford |
| Shaq Buchanan | 11 | G | 6-3 | 190 lbs | JAN 30, 1997 | 24 | R | Murray State |
| Olivier Sarr | 20 | C | 7-0 | 243 lbs | FEB 20, 1999 | 22 | R | Kentucky |
| Keaton Wallace | 21 | G | 6-3 | 185 lbs | FEB 26, 1999 | 22 | R | Texas-San Antonio |
| Desmond Bane | 22 | G-F | 6-6 | 215 lbs | JUN 25, 1998 | 23 | 1 | TCU |
| Santi Aldama | 23 | F | 6-11 | 224 lbs | JAN 10, 2001 | 20 | R | Loyola (MD) |
| Sam Merrill | 25 | G | 6-4 | 197 lbs | MAY 15, 1996 | 25 | 1 | Utah State |
| Ben Moore | 26 | F | 6-8 | 220 lbs | MAY 13, 1995 | 26 | 1 | SMU |
| Sean McDermott | 30 | G-F | 6-6 | 195 lbs | NOV 03, 1996 | 24 | 1 | Butler |
| Darnell Cowart | 32 | F | 6-8 | 280 lbs | OCT 16, 1998 | 22 | R | Murray State |
| Killian Tillie | 35 | F-C | 6-10 | 220 lbs | MAR 05, 1998 | 23 | 1 | Gonzaga |
| John Konchar | 46 | G-F | 6-5 | 210 lbs | MAR 22, 1996 | 25 | 2 | Fort Wayne |
John Konchar
Let’s Get Jitty With It!
If John Konchar was in a bigger market, he would be more beloved than Alex Caruso has been. He does everything that you would want from a role player. This summer is a great time for him to show just how good he can be. Expect Konchar to continue to fill the stat sheet just as he has during the Utah Summer League.
Killian Tillie
It’s Tillie time! Killian is finally healthy after an injury-riddled college career. Best-case scenario he continues to shoot well from the perimeter and become a solid stretch four. Don’t expect Tillie to produce much this upcoming season, but he can continue to develop into a solid role player.
Yves Pons
Yves is an athletic freak. If he can continue to show out during these games like he did in Utah, expect him to play with the Memphis Hustle this year. Pons has shown his athleticism and defensive prowess. He needs to develop his outside shot, but the G League can help with that.
Santi Aldama
Most of us know nothing about Santi Aldama. The unknown creates so much excitement and the potential of what he could become. All eyes will be on Santi when he gets on the court. Look for ball handling and shot creation as the true strengths of his game.
Ziaire Williams
Welcome back to playing in front of a crowd, Ziaire. He has not played in front of a crowd since his last high-school game. Don’t expect there to be a breakthrough in his outside shooting percentage during these games. Williams needs to show off his athleticism and defense as his strengths this summer. The 10th overall pick brings a ton of pressure, but Ziaire has a just as much potential and will show out right away.
Desmond Bane
This is Bane’s chance to take that next step. Improving defensively should be Desmond’s focus during these games since that seems to be one of his few weaknesses. Bane looks to be the best player on this team and he could become this year’s Summer League MVP.
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