WATCH: Kennedy Chandler's Top 5 Plays in NBA Summer League
Although he was taken in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Kennedy Chandler is proving to be the most exciting rookie on the Memphis Grizzlies’ Summer League roster. Chandler’s tenacity on the defensive end and creativity around the rim have contributed to a sensational highlight reel in just two games. Here are my […]
Although he was taken in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Kennedy Chandler is proving to be the most exciting rookie on the Memphis Grizzlies’ Summer League roster. Chandler’s tenacity on the defensive end and creativity around the rim have contributed to a sensational highlight reel in just two games.
Here are my five favorite plays from Chandler in his short time with the Grizzlies.
Hesi With A Side Of Jelly
Watch as Chandler maneuvers through the lane with a double hesitation move to keep both defenders off balance.
Chandler displayed his prowess in the pick-and-roll game in his freshman season at the University of Tennessee, so there will certainly be more where this came from.
A Goodnight Kiss
This time, Chandler declines the screen and gets the ball into his right hand with a killer crossover dribble, finishing high off the glass for two.
Known for being crafty around the rim, Chandler is always finding unique ways to put the ball in the basket from close range. This layup was the nail in the coffin for the Utah Jazz as the Grizzlies went on to win by the score of 95-84.
And He Can Pass!
Not Boobie Miles, but Kennedy Chandler. Take a look at this stroke of genius from the youngster.
This pass won’t get the attention it deserves because Grizzlies guard Dakota Mathias couldn’t convert from three, but the athleticism from Chandler is undeniable. Notice how he drives past three defenders and puts this one-handed pass right in Mathias’ shooting pocket.
Vol-on-Vol Crime
As the clock ticked down in Chandler’s Summer League debut, the Grizzlies were holding on to a two-point lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers inbounded the ball with 15 seconds and found former Tennessee Volunteer Jaden Springer on the right side to take Chandler one-on-one.
Though he slipped to the second round due to his height at six feet, Chandler showed off his six-foot-five wingspan and swiped the ball from Springer to seal the deal for Memphis.
Access Denied
Okay, we knew Chandler could play some defense, but my goodness.
Watch as Chandler times this block up perfectly. He slows down at the three-point line and then pounces, sending the ball flying. Chandler, the smallest player on the floor, finished the game with three blocks and four steals.
Honorable Mention: KC for 3!
A typical catch-and-shoot triple, relatively unguarded is not the flashiest play, but it’s a play Chandler will have to make with consistency if he is to see much playing time as a rookie.
Everybody knows Chandler’s strength is getting the ball into the teeth of the defense, but if he can develop a reliable three-point shot it will be impossible for Memphis to leave him out of rotations.
It’s easy for Grizzlies fans to get excited about the hometown kid in Chandler. He’s just 19-years-old, but his game is mature. Drafting Chandler is an insurance policy on Ja Morant and Tyus Jones, but with the right coaching Chandler could see some solid run as a rookie. Even if he plays sparingly this season, the future is bright in Memphis.
Featured image via Robert Goddin – USA TODAY Sports
