Memphis Grizzlies Sign G League Rookie Of The Year To Long-Term Deal

With the devastating announcement earlier today affecting their size up front, the Memphis Grizzlies have fortified the frontcourt with another big body. Literally. 

Kenneth Lofton Jr., just named the G League's Rookie of the Year, has been signed to a four-year, $7M contract.

Grizzlies are signing two-way F/C Kenneth Lofton Jr. to an NBA contract, making him playoff eligible

Lofton (20.2 PPG) was this season's G League Rookie of the Year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YNFCGNg5UD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 8, 2023

The 6'7", 275-pound Lofton Jr. was on a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, making him ineligible for the postseason, but his new deal rectifies that. The undrafted forward/center out of Louisiana Tech had appeared in 23 games for the Grizz, averaging just six minutes per game. 

But he'd been tearing it up in the G League all year with the Memphis Hustle. There, Lofton Jr. averaged 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals on 54.4% shooting from the field. He finished eighth in scoring and 10th in rebounding.

He'll help to make up for the lost beef on the Grizzlies' frontline after it was announced earlier today that Adams is likely done for the year. 

Photo: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports