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Inside David Roddy's season: Memphis Grizzlies rookie's big moments and role on playoff team

Kevin Lytle, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·2 min read

David Roddy showed off his unique basketball toolkit during his first season in the NBA.

Roddy was the 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after leaving Colorado State following his junior season. He joined a Memphis Grizzlies team that ultimately earned the second-best record in the NBA's Western Conference.

He used his versatility to play multiple positions through the season and earned some starts as Memphis dealt with injuries and suspensions.

Here's a look at Roddy's rookie season and what's next as Memphis heads into the playoffs.

David Roddy's rookie season overview

Roddy's rookie NBA season stats look like this:

  • 70 games played (four starts)

  • 18 minutes per game

  • 6.7 points per game

  • 2.8 rebounds per game

  • 43% overall shooting percentage and 31% 3-point shooting

Roddy also spent a bit of time in the G-League with the Memphis Hustle. In four G-League games he averaged 33 minutes per game, 20.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest while shooting 42% overall and 37% from 3-point range.

Mar 31, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward David Roddy (27) dunks over Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward David Roddy (27) dunks over Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Highlight moments

Two of Roddy's biggest moments of the season came toward the back end of the schedule, a potential showcase of his growth during the season.

In a March 11 game against Dallas, he poured in a career-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting (including 4-for-7 from 3-point range). Roddy scored 17 of those in the fourth quarter to help lead a comeback win and was serenaded off the home court with chants of "Roddy! Roddy!"

His most viral play in the season came March 31 against the Clippers when Roddy grabbed an offensive rebound, powered through the lane and threw down a monster dunk over 7-foot center Ivica Zubac.

What's next?

The No. 2 Grizzlies start a best-of-seven series against the No. 7 Lakers at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 16. The game can be seen on ABC.

NBA teams typically tighten their playing rotation in the postseason, so Roddy's usage will be another interesting indicator of growth to watch in the playoffs.

Memphis/Los Angeles series schedule (all times Mountain):

  • Game 1: Los Angeles at Memphis, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 16 (ABC)

  • Game 2: Los Angeles at Memphis, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 (TNT)

  • Game 3: Memphis at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 22 (ESPN)

  • Game 4: Memphis at Los Angeles, Monday, April 24 (time and TV TBA)

  • Game 5*: Los Angeles at Memphis, Wednesday, April 26 (time and TV TBA)

  • Game 6*: Memphis at Los Angeles, Friday, April 28 (time and TV TBA)

  • Game 7*: Los Angeles at Memphis, Sunday, April 30 (time and TV TBA)

*if necessary

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How David Roddy's rookie season with Memphis Grizzlies went