Jamaal Franklin assigned to the D-League, will join Mad Ants

Per Rob Fischer of FOX Sports Tennessee, Jamaal Franklin has been sent down to the D-League to join the Grizzlies' D-League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, in advance of the D-League Showcase starting today in Reno.

The @memgrizz have assigned Jamaal Franklin to Fort Wayne Mad Ants of @nbadleague to participate in D-League showcase which begins today

— Rob Fischer (@thefishnation) January 5, 2014

In 14 games this season, Jamaal Franklin is averaging 9.1 minutes and 1.9 points on 34.4% shooting. In the nine games since James Johnson was signed, Franklin has appeared in just five for 6.1 minutes per game. He saw most of his playing time in early-mid December when the Grizzlies were dealing with injuries to Tony Allen and Quincy Pondexter.

Franklin's best performance this season came against the Orlando Magic on December 9th, in which he scored a career-high 8 points on 3-of-5 shooting (2-of-2 on threes) to go with 3 rebounds in just 14:55 of playing time. Though clearly an unpolished product at the moment in his ball-handling and scoring ability, the 41st overall pick in last year's draft has flashed the ability to knock down threes and make an impact on defense. Seeing consistent playing time in the D-League for the 7-7 Mad Ants, whom also feature Pistons rookies Peyton Siva and Tony Mitchell, will help Grindson round out the edges in his game.

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