The Grizzlies have three point guards with guaranteed salaries – Mike Conley, Beno Udrih and Russ Smith.
But Memphis also has just 14 players with full guarantees, leaving one extra spot on its regular-season roster.
Another point guard, Lazeric Jones, joins what’s now a three-man competition for the spot.
Shams Charania of RealGM:
The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed with free agent PG Lazeric Jones on a non-guaranteed deal, source tells Yahoo. Jones out of UCLA in 2012.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 7, 2015
JaMychal Green ($150,000 guaranteed) remains the favorite to win the final spot due to both his guarantee and ability. Center Michael Holyfield (unguaranteed) also has a chance due to his position.
At face value, signing Jones is primarily a method to assign his D-League rights to the Grizzlies’ affiliate, the Iowa Energy. Because Jones has played overseas since being drafted, he is eligible to be assigned if Memphis waives him.
But he can play a bit, too. Jones changes direction well, though he can get out of control. He’s also a good, though selective, outside shooter. There probably isn’t an opening on the Grizzlies right now, but if their point guard depth in front of him changes, he could force his way onto the regular season roster.