The Memphis Grizzlies are four games into their summer league schedule, and the returns have been quite positive.
Everyone wanted to see how first-round draft pick Zach Edey would fare against professionals and what Jaylen Wells and Cameron Spencer would bring to the table.
You can’t take too much credence from how a player performs in the summer league. If a player excels, it may not translate to the regular season. Conversely, if a player struggles, it could indicate how they will play against regular NBA talent. The Grizzlies won two of their first four games in exciting fashion. The two losses were by a total of five points.
Zach Edey
Edey was impressive in his summer league debut in Utah against the Utah Jazz. He scored 14 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots. He held his own against three-year center Walker Kessler.
Memphis lost the game in overtime to the Jazz 97-95. Edey tapped in a basket with 0.2 seconds left to send the game into overtime. He rolled his ankle earlier in the game but continued to play through the pain. This would be the only game Edey played in during the four-game stretch. The reviews were positive all around for his performance.
Cam Spencer
Shooting is one area where lighting it up in the summer league can translate to the regular season. Spencer is not afraid to shoot without hesitation. He has been shooting above average in the games he has played. This is what the Grizzlies are looking for: a consistent scorer from long range.
In his first Las Vegas Summer League game, Spencer scored 15 points and connected on 3 of 5 from three-point range in the 103-83 win over the Sacramento Kings. Spencer, the shooting guard from Connecticut, signed a two-way contract days before the summer league games started.
Jaylen Wells
Wells’ play has been inconsistent during summer league play. He played in three of the four games and is looking to find his way. In the win over the Kings, he only scored 6 points in 17 minutes of action. He signed a regular contract for the season.
GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia
GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia are the veterans returning to lead the summer league teams. Jackson has been scoring at a high level, but his overall play has been up and down. In the first game, he had too many turnovers and took some questionable shots. He has proven he can play with the big boys but must find a role with the regular players.
LaRavia’s time with the Grizzlies has been saddled with injuries. He got an opportunity last season with the Grizzlies late in the year. He has shown some flashes of belonging with the team with his play with the Memphis Hustle. His confidence with the Hustle has been great but missing in previous outings with the Grizzlies.
Everything done in the summer leagues should be taken with a grain of salt. The hope is that the younger players have shown so far can be an indication that some of them will be able to contribute in some way this upcoming season. The Grizzlies have at least three other games in Las Vegas. It is hopeful that Edey will be able to play in at least one more game.
