No, the Grizzlies’ undrafted signee is not the son of the major league baseball player. Junior’s dad works at an oil refinery in Texas, and he is his son’s biggest role model. 

Memphis nearly had the chance to play for their second summer league title in three seasons, but a loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday finally put them out of reach. 

The Grizzlies came up short against the Boston Celtics, dashing their chances at playing for the summer league championship. 

Matt Terhune couldn’t get himself to pick up his pencil and start a new art project. Until he saw a photo of Morant with 2-year-old daughter Kaari. What followed is a story about Twitter, art, basketball and — this is the important part — love.

The 20-year-old Williams spent last season becoming a professional. He hopes this summer league experience can elevate him the way it did for Desmond Bane.

The Grizzlies took care of business in a blowout win over the Nets on Tuesday in Las Vegas Summer League play. 

Morant’s extension means he’ll be here when the Grizzlies and the city and county negotiate the guts of a new FedExForum lease. All of which makes him the most important Grizzly at the most important moment in the city’s NBA history. Just another reason to thank Ja.

It isn’t just about summer league games; the Grizzlies provided some interesting developments as well. 

Santi Aldama scored 22 to lead all scorers in the Grizzlies’ victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the lowest-scoring game of summer league so far this year. 

LaRavia splashed a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. scored a game-high 18 points in Memphis’ loss to the Clippers in Las Vegas Summer League. 

Ja Morant didn’t just sign a rich new contract to stay with the Grizzlies. He committed to Memphis as “home.” That’s a credit to him and to the Grizzlies front office. Here’s how that came to pass.

Ziaire Williams continued his strong start to summer league play and David Roddy scored 16 points in a Grizzlies win. 

The Grizzlies reportedly signed John Konchar to an extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026-27 season.

Lofton, an undrafted, two-way player, had a game-high 19 points for Memphis and was the star of the show.

The Grizzlies hung on for a slim victory in their first summer league game against Philadelphia. Rookie Kennedy Chandler made the game-winning steal and Jake LaRavia knocked down four 3-pointers. 

The Grizzlies have functioned with the patience of an organization that believes time is on its side and is willing to risk year-to-year slippage to stay on a positive long-term trajectory. 

The Grizzlies and superstar point guard Ja Morant have agreed to the most lucrative contract in franchise history. 

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Herrington: A wild night for the Grizzlies started before free agency began

Jaren Jackson Jr. to miss 4 to 6 months following stress fracture surgery

Tyus Jones returns to Grizzlies on reported two-year, $30 million deal

The beginning of NBA free agency delivered big news for the Grizzlies, and two of those jolts came before the clock even started. 

Tyus Jones has played a crucial role as backup to Ja Morant.

Right before the free-agency period began, the Grizzlies revealed a big injury report.

The leading question for the Grizzlies entering free agency is what will happen with backup point guard Tyus Jones. 

Can the Grizzlies re-sign Tyus Jones? That seems more likely now than it did a week ago. 

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes was surprised Kennedy Chandler slipped into the second round. He wants his former point guard to prove his doubters wrong. 

And one approach starts with Tyus Jones.

David Roddy and Jake LaRavia’s college coaches relive the moment their players were drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies.