New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green on Monday expressed his happiness to see undrafted center Trey Jemison land with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jemison was with the Pelicans in training camp and logged four appearances with the team in the preseason. He was eventually waived prior to the start of the season and began the year with their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.
The 24-year-old averaged 10.9 points, 12 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks on 55.3% shooting from the field in 25 games with the Squadron. He joined the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract on Jan. 20 and signed a two-way contract on Friday.
“It warms my heart to see Trey get an opportunity like he is getting,” Green said prior to facing Jemison and the Grizzlies. “He was great for us to start the season. He was with us all summer, training camp and preseason, and to see him get this opportunity, we’re all so happy for him. I know he is thrilled to be (with the Grizzlies) and is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen.”
Jemison is averaging 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on 47.6% shooting from the field in five appearances with the Grizzlies. He produced his best outing on Feb. 6 in a loss to New York: 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
He emerged as one of the top frontcourt players in the G League this season with the Squadron. He generated plenty of buzz among teams at the G League Winter Showcase in December and was viewed as one of the top call-up candidates.
The former UAB standout will now have the opportunity to spend time in the Grizzlies organization and continue his career in Memphis. The team has found success developing players in recent memory and will look to continue that run with Jemison.
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