Grizzlies Insider: Memphis preps for summer league, Morant goes on tour
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) drives against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Memphis. (Wesley Hale/Special to The Daily Memphian file)
The wait is almost over for Grizzlies basketball.
On Saturday, July 5, (6 p.m. CT, vs Oklahoma City, ESPNU) in Salt Lake City, the summer appetizer to satisfy fans until October is set to get underway.
Who will suit up for Memphis when it takes the court in summer league?
The answer, for now, isn’t officially official, but Memphis is expected to release a roster before games begin Saturday.
Speculated players
A number of players have shared photos on social media indicating they are involved with Memphis in summer league.
Others have reportedly been added to the roster.
A few of those names include:
Bo Montgomery, a Memphian who last played for UNC Wilmington; Ace Baldwin Jr., who last played for Penn State; Nate Hinton, who played in the G League and German Bundesliga; and Lawson Lovering, who last played for the University of Utah.
Grizzlies draft picks Jahmai Mashack and Javon Small are expected to be on the roster. No. 11 pick Cedric Coward has not been ruled out of summer league yet, but his status is to be determined following shoulder surgery that ended his senior season early at Washington State.
Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman didn’t note any other players currently on the Memphis roster when asked last week who could play in summer league. However, second-year Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells, second-year guard Cam Spencer and third-year wing GG Jackson all expressed interest in playing at the end of last season.
Zyon Pullin signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Grizzlies last season but missed significant time with injuries. He could also be on the roster.
Second-year center Zach Edey will not play following offseason ankle surgery.
Other summer league notes
Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura, whom the Grizzlies did not bring back this offseason, is set to play with the Chicago Bulls summer league team. So is Maozinha Pereira, who was previously with the Memphis Hustle.
Former Grizzlies big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. will play with the Celtics summer league team.
Ja Morant goes on tour
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Memphis. (Brandon Dill/AP file)
Nike announced Grizzlies star Ja Morant will go on a “Make Them Watch Tour” this offseason, which corresponds with the release of the Ja 3 signature sneakers.
Morant will make five stops around the world on the tour:
- July 18-19 at Nike EYBL Peach Jam in Augusta, Georgia
- July 22 in New York City
- July 25-30 in China (cities unspecified)
- July 31 in Tokyo
- Aug. 2 in Manila, Philippines
“Through the ‘Make Them Watch Tour,’ Ja will help the next generation of hoopers shape the game in their local communities and discover their sense of style and expression on the court,” Nike said in a news release issued Wednesday.
Morant’s stop in New York City will take place at Nike’s annual NY vs. NY tournament.
The Grizzlies star will host basketball clinics in China as part of Mission Rise 2025, a program that aims to develop talented youth players.
In Manila, Morant will invite local high school players to watch his workout, then will host a “Make Them Watch” exhibition game.
More from your Insider:
NBA releases Grizzlies' Las Vegas, Salt Lake City summer league schedules
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Herrington: What's left as Grizzlies shift from free agency to summertime
The Memphis Grizzlies were crazy-busy in the opening hour of free agency, but there’s still a lot of little items left on the to-do list. Let’s do some housekeeping.
Grizzlies release initial timeline for Jaren Jackson Jr. recovery
“Further updates will be provided as appropriate,” the team said.
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Drew Hill
Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.
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