Memphis Grizzlies bringing Jaylen Nowell back on another 10-day deal | Report
Jaylen Nowell's run with the Memphis Grizzlies isn't over yet.
The Grizzlies are bringing Nowell back on a second 10-day contract, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Memphis is using a hardship exception it applied for and was granted due to injuries on the roster.
Nowell was a bright spot in the rotation during his first 10-day deal. He scored 19 points off the bench in the Grizzlies' 108-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, helping them pick up consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins used Nowell as the first player off the bench for two games before he started in Saturday's loss to the Phoenix Suns. He finished with eight points on 3-for-12 shooting in that game.
Nowell is averaging 6.2 points on 36.1% shooting. He is a player who can create his shot off the dribble, an area where the Grizzlies have needed help. He also has made plays for teammates and played solid defense.
“I just want to get out there and provide a positive spark," Nowell said after the Nov. 26 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I'm trying to get acclimated with what everybody does. They’re trying to get acclimated with me as well. I just wanted to make sure that I just made positive plays, talked on defense, did all the little things that was needed.”
Getting Nowell back on a second 10-day deal should further stabilize the rotation. Current injuries to Jake LaRavia, Luke Kennard, Steven Adams, Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke factored into the league's decision. The collective bargaining agreement states that a team can be eligible for an injury hardship if four or more players are deemed to be out an additional two weeks.
Adams, Clarke and Smart had already previously met the criteria with their current injury timelines. The Grizzlies also announced on Sunday that Kennard will be out an additional two-to-three weeks after being reevaluated.
Shaq Harrison also was originally signed to a 10-day deal, but he didn't play in the rotation during that stretch.
The Grizzlies will have three days off before playing the Pistons on Wednesday night (6 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) in Detroit.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies bringing Jaylen Nowell back on new 10-day contract
