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Sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Memphis Grizzlies are signing forward D.J. Stephens to a two-way NBA contract. Stephens played in NBA with Milwaukee in 2014, won French league championship last season with Le Mans.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 8, 2018
Well, it finally happened!
There has been speculation for the past month or two that the Memphis Grizzlies would use one of their 2 two-way deal on former Memphis Tiger DJ Stephens. Now, he’s officially taken the final roster spot for the Grizzlies according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, essentially wiping any chance for any of the training camp invites to secure that spot.
Stephens is quite old compared to most two-way players, but I guess he makes sense for Memphis. Though he doesn’t possess much upside, he’ll make Hustle games more entertaining, which will result in ticket sales. His versatility is decent insurance policy for the Grizzlies. He’s a familiar face that makes this addition a good one in the eyes of most Memphis fans.
At the end of the day, Stephens is the 17th man on the roster, an insignificant piece to a playoff team. They could’ve occupied that spot with just about anyone, and it wouldn’t impact the Grizzlies’ record this season.
With that being said, DJ Stephens must prove that this is more than a PR move. Can his supreme athleticism impact the Hustle — and potentially the Grizzlies?
Stay tuned on @sbngrizzlies to find out.