Season Seven of the NBA 2K League tips off tonight for Memphis Grizzlies 2K League Franchise Grizz Gaming. Coming off of back-to-back seasons with no playoff appearance and no money won, Grizz Gaming General Manager Lang Whitaker says he went back to what worked just a few years ago when the Grizz made their first playoff appearance.
“One thing that I tried to get, were guys that had something to prove… Players that were overlooked, or not drafted (in previous years), and guys that were looking to a place to fit in… When we made the 2K League Playoffs a few years ago, that was sort of the mindset behind that too.”
Grizz Gaming General Manager Lang Whitaker on how he approached the offseason
Whitaker had arguably his biggest offseason has a General Manager with Grizz Gaming trading four out of the five players that finished last season with Memphis. Grizz Gaming was apart of two blockbuster four team trades throughout the offseason, and when it was all said and done, Memphis got the guys that they truly wanted on the roster heading into season seven.
Grizz Gaming Head Coach Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan said this season seven roster is “one of his favorite ones.” Ahmed-Hassan, who was drafted my Grizz Gaming in the inaugural season back in 2018 has been here since day one.
“There is definitely a feeling in the air that we are a great team,” Mehyar continued talking about his roster with a headset around his neck prior to Grizz Gaming scrimmaging Tuesday afternoon.
In the biggest move of the offseason, bringing back Grizz Gaming’s floor general from two years ago, Zach Vandivier (ImVandi), whom was traded following that postseason showing two seasons ago.
“I’ve watched him (Vandi) since he was 18, and now he is a man… It’s been really cool to see him develop the last few years, and when we had the chance to bring him back, it was a no brainer.
Whitaker discussed bring Vandi back to Memphis to run Point Guard
Not only did Whitaker bring back Vandi, Memphis secured his back court partner in Craig Burnett Jr., (Rigby) who Memphis secured with their 27th overall pick in this years draft. A former All-Star, who has four seasons under his belt with two different franchises, Rigby brings Memphis something that has been missing for years now – consistency at the Shooting Guard position.
“Rigby was an All-star a few seasons ago with Vandi, and he (Rigby) feels like he has a lot to prove, and wants to show what he can be again…”
Whitaker on the pairing of Rigby and Vandi in the backcourt
Grizz Gaming will also be relying on a rookie to handle their lockdown position at Small Forward in Nick Clark (IcyThaGoat) who Memphis drafted with their 21st pick. Icy is as quiet as they come. Many across the league couldn’t believe that Icy fell to the 21st pick, but Memphis is thankful for that. The rookie will get his first action tonight against the Pacers in the Slam 3v3 scene.
Grizz Gaming’s highest draft pick this offseason David Lawson (OhDonn), who Memphis took with their 13th overall pick to play Power Forward. There are many within not just the Grizz Gaming organization, but the league that believe that Donn will one day be a star. Donn will run with Vandi and Icy in the 3v3 scene as the Center.
Lastly, the anchor for the Grizz the past few seasons, Josh McHatten (Spartxn), who is the longest tenured Grizz Gaming member outside of General Manager Lang Whitaker and Head Coach Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan. Spartxn is arguably one of the most versatile players in the 2K League, and it has shown over the last two seasons for Memphis.
Spartxn will finally man the Center position in 5v5 for Grizz Gaming as he and Vandi will pick n’ roll all of season seven. “We really mesh well together, and I’ve been in this league for awhile to know when it doesn’t mesh,” Spartxn talked about the revamped roster.
Grizz Gaming tips off their seventh season tonight against Pacers Gaming in the Slam 3v3 tournament. The beginning of what feels like what could be a special season in Memphis for Grizz Gaming.