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The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that they are demoting guard Ben McLemore and forward Ivan Rabb to their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
McLemore has yet to play a game for the Grizzlies because he’s been rehabbing a foot injury sustained during a pickup game this summer. The University of Kansas product received surgery on his right foot for a non-displaced (broken) fifth metatarsal and should be cleared to play in the next two weeks.
#BREAKING: Grizzlies SG Ben McLemore is likely to make his debut on Sunday for the @MemphisHustle vs Salt Lake City @LandersCenter
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) November 2, 2017
The Grizzlies show early in the 2017-18 season that they are ready to use their new, close-to-home G-League team not only for player development, but also for rehab purposes. McLemore, a 24-year-old fifth year player, signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Grizzlies this summer before his injury.
Rabb has played in one game for Memphis this season, logging only one minute in an October game against Houston. The 20-year-old rookie out of The University of California will likely play a big role this season for the Hustle, considering the Grizzlies’ frontcourt rotation is full (Marc Gasol, Brandan Wright, Jarell Martin, Deyonta Davis, not to mention small ball fours). He is currently healthy.
The Hustle released their final roster earlier today. It is marked by Grizzlies two-way players Kobi Simmons and Vince Hunter as well as some former University of Memphis Tigers players.
The Hustle will play its inaugural game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce this Saturday at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss.