Memphis Grizzlies officially announce Summer League roster

The Memphis Grizzlies released their official 2023 NBA Summer League roster on Friday, ending mild feelings of longing from a fan base slightly intrigued by the fact other teams had announced their teams before Memphis although the Grizzlies actually start their Summer League run before most squads since they participate in the Salt Lake City version of the league as well that begins on Monday.

Our Brandon Nwokeji previewed the Grizzlies to watch in Summer League on Friday himself – check out the piece if you missed it. And while Ziaire Williams is somewhat conspicuous by him absence, Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian recently reported that the focus for Williams is on developing his body and gaining muscle mass/strength – which would be counter-productive with high levels of cardio playing basketball games daily.

Those that will be in Summer League will be looking to achieve various levels of success. For names like David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, and Kenneth Lofton Jr., there will be attempts to show growth in their respective games as they try to show they’re ready for larger Memphis Grizzlies roles. The lone Grizzlies draft pick this year, GG Jackson, will simply try to compete professionally at the age of 18. Two-way players beyond Jackson like Jacob Gilyard and Vince Williams Jr. want to maintain their slots in the Memphis organization moving forward.

And then there’s the “other guys” trying to log minutes to prove they belong in the NBA G-League or better – and getting reps on tape for opposing scouts to see to aid in that process.

Summer League rarely is an indicator of long-term success. But it can be a barometer for how players handle the pressure of a different kind of competition, and how they react within schemes in a short period of time. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, and many of the Grizzlies players themselves will be watching the games over the next two weeks closely.

Make plans to do the same – and to follow Bluff City Media for all the coverage you need of the festivities.