Memphis Grizzlies rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. continued a strong run on assignment in the NBA G League on Thursday with a near 30-point double-double effort for the Memphis Hustle.
Lofton produced a season-high 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 33 minutes of work in a 149-124 loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He finished by shooting 12-of-17 from the field and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line.
It was his second double-double of the season.
The undrafted forward proved to once again be dominant down in the paint. He has found success in the early going in that area given his ability to bully opponents with his size. He was also very active on the glass, hauling in four boards on the offensive end.
JUNIOR. TAKING. CARE. OF. BUSINESS. pic.twitter.com/IpoLkbbAtG
— Memphis Hustle (@MemphisHustle) November 18, 2022
With the performance, Lofton is now averaging 27 points, 8.8 rebounds, two assists and 1.3 steals in four games with the Hustle. He is shooting 57.1% from the field on 19.2 attempts per game. He currently ranks fifth in scoring among all players in the G League and 22nd in rebounding.
Lofton, who is signed to a two-way contract, will spend the majority of the season in a developmental role in the G League. The games will serve as a great chance for him to continue his transition from college to the NBA and adjust to the quicker speed of the game.
He has looked tremendous in the early going, which is certainly an encouraging sign for the organization. With some more development and growth, Lofton looks poised to eventually develop into a full-time rotation player.
The Hustle return to action on Saturday.
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