|
The Memphis Grizzlies made the news official on Tuesday morning.
They are signing Jordan Goodwin to a 10-day hardship contract, giving themselves another guard to use late in the season.
Goodwin is on his third season in the NBA, playing previously with the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards while averaging 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds for his career.
 The Memphis Grizzlies have signed Jordan Goodwin, 0, to a 10-day contract. (Darryl Webb/AP file)
It may not be a flashy addition, but it gives Memphis fans clues as to when players may be able to rejoin the team.
The NBA requires teams to have at least four players expected to be out for two or more weeks to qualify for a hardship exception. Goodwin’s arrival means the Grizzlies met that threshold.
Ja Morant is clearly one of those players, done for the season with a shoulder injury.
Desmond Bane suffered a severe ankle sprain Jan. 12, almost exactly one month ago. He was said to be reevaluated around Feb. 22. Therefore, he also is not going to return during that time frame.
Marcus Smart still has a splint on his finger from his injury on Jan. 9. Additionally, he is projected to be out for a while.
 Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant reacts from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic Jan. 26 in Memphis. (Brandon Dill/AP file)
In fact, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said there is “no timetable for a return” on both Smart and Bane last week.
This also means the return of Brandon Clarke, who was rumored to potentially come back from Achilles surgery around NBA All-Star Weekend — which is coming up on Feb. 18 — is probably still a ways away.
“I think Brandon is a significant part of the big equation going forward,” Kleiman said last Friday. “Brandon is doing really well in his recovery.
“We will make a determination when we get a little bit closer but Brandon has not been ruled out for the season. I think if it’s advisable, regardless of record, a little cameo at the end of the season (is possible), just to build momentum going into next season.
“We miss Brandon, along with all of the guys that we have missed this season. Brandon, historically, has been an excellent pairing with (Jaren Jackson Jr.) on the court, and others. I think there are additions we will look to mark to the roster, but we see Brandon as someone who can be a significant part of the roster.”
 Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams (8) go after a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Jan. 24 in Miami. (Marta Lavandier/AP file)
This does mean, however, that it is at least a possibility that Ziaire Williams and/or Jake LaRavia could return in the coming weeks, given that the Grizzlies wouldn’t need to include them to get a hardship player.
But it doesn’t guarantee they will be on the court either.
LaRavia hasn’t played since turning an ankle on Jan. 13. Williams has missed eight straight games with a hand contusion.
This is supposed to be an opportunity to prove what they can do on the wing. Instead, they’re missing their chance.
Kleiman said the message to the young players is that all the games must be taken seriously, noting that the team is down several players and several of them are potentially not coming back this season. He also said the team will not make individual return-to-play decisions based on the team’s record.
 Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) gets knocked over by Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during a Feb. 8 game. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
But is the window of opportunity closing on the former first-round draft picks? Is it already shut?
Memphis committed to GG Jackson when they signed him to a three-year deal. It found a sure thing in Vince Williams Jr. and locked him down, too.
Luke Kennard was not someone the team actively tried to trade at the deadline. He has a team option next year.
Memphis already has a loaded backcourt, and now they have young players who look like the sidekicks of the future.
Kleiman made it sound as if frontcourt additions will be explored with priority, perhaps before they address wing depth, but it feels like now or never — at least in Memphis — for players like Ziaire Williams and LaRavia.
 Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) goes to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Tre Mann defends during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (Rick Bowmer/AP file)
It starts with getting them back on the court.
LaRavia, in particular, would be nice to see for an extended chunk of playing time. He’s played in just 11 games this season because of the wing jumble and injuries. He played in only 35 games last season.
At the G League level, he’s been productive but, at times, inefficient. LaRavia may be the last young player left on the roster not to get an extended opportunity.
More from your Insider:
Max Strus applauded Memphis assistant coach Anthony Carter for helping him find his place in the NBA. He believes Carter could have the same impact on the Grizzlies’ young players.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a game-high 29 points, including five made 3-pointers and two blocks, but it was not enough to prevent an eighth straight loss.
NBA box score for Saturday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets.
Beat writer Drew Hill and columnist Chris Herrington discuss the trade that sent Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets.
The Memphis NBA team’s general manager and lead basketball decision-maker Zach Kleiman discussed the team’s trades, the NBA’s luxury tax, young-player development and more.
The gifted 6-foot-8 forward has scored in double figures 10 times in 14 games since joining the team’s rotation in mid-January.
With playoff contention this season long gone and the Grizzlies focused on positioning the franchise for this summer and beyond, lead decision-maker Zach Kleiman and his staff achieved what were likely their two primary deadline goals.
..... |
