Washburn, 27, could debut in NBA with Griz
After four years of bouncing between the G-league and international leagues, Julian Washburn hoped the call might finally be coming.
“My agent told me maybe a few days ago that Memphis had interest in me,” Washburn said. “So I’d just been waiting and praying.”
Those prayers turned into reality on Tuesday when Washburn signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies as the team seeks to bolster its depleted wing depth.
Washburn, 27, is a 6-foot-8 defensive-minded wing who is shooting 38 percent from 3-point range for the Gleague’s Austin Spurs this season.
He called his two-way opportunity with the Grizzles “a dream come true.”
The Grizzlies waived Memphis native and former Tennessee standout Jarnell Stokes to sign Washburn.
As the 2015 Conference USA
defensive player of the year at Texas-el Paso, Washburn’s identity fits with the defensive-oriented Grizzlies.
But he believes that strides in his offensive game may be what finally earned him a shot at the NBA level. NBA franchises are allowed to have two players on two-way contracts. They are allowed to split time between the Gleague and NBA.
“Had some pretty big games on the offensive end,” Washburn said. “I think that helped me a lot as well and showed I can score the ball.”
Washburn is averaging a career-high 10.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in the Gleague this season.
The Duncanville, Texas, native has played in NBA summer league games and was briefly part of the San Antonio Spurs’ 2015 training camp roster. But he has never been active for a regular-season NBA game.
With Dillon Brooks likely out for the season with a ruptured ligament in his right big toe and Kyle Anderson rehabilitating from an ankle sprain, Washburn’s first opportunity to dress out for an NBA game may come this week.
“It means a lot,” he said. “I think this is a lesson to anyone. You never know when your opportunity may come, so don’t give up, no matter how old you are. Just keep working. I’m just thankful for the opportunity. I think this is a perfect fit for me.”
Stokes signed two-way deal with the Grizzlies on Jan. 1. He appeared in just two games with the G-league Hustle after he was signed.
Reach Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb at david.cobb@commercial appeal.com.