The Memphis Grizzlies have been submerged in mediocrity all season, and that doesn't seem to be changing, as they are 17-16 and can't really find any consistency. One of the biggest problems for the Grizzlies has been the lack of depth in their frontcourt due to injuries and other factors, so they will apparently attempt to solve that problem. Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Grizzlies will sign Ryan Hollins and in order to make room for him will waive Russ Smith.
Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (47th overall pick) of the 2014 NBA Draft out of Louisville. Smith signed with the New Orleans Pelicans after not agreeing to a deal with Philadelphia and was then traded to Memphis where he appeared in six games a season ago. Smith also appeared in 15 games so far this season but also spent some of his time in the D-League as the Grizzlies didn't have a rotation spot for him.
Smith is an undersized guard who has a knack for scoring the ball, and he had a guaranteed contract. But the Grizzlies are reportedly willing to eat that for frontcourt depth. Hollins was with the Grizzlies in training camp this season and was cut just days before the season began, but he made enough of an impression to be given another shot. Backup center Brandan Wright has been out for quite some time and will miss even more time as he underwent knee surgery, so Hollins is being signed because Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are the only other formidable big men on the roster.
Hollins was with the Washington Wizards earlier this year before being waived a week ago. The nine-year veteran appeared in five games and averaged a little less than 10 minutes before being released, as the Wizards had the opposite problem of needing guards as opposed to big men.
Hollins isn't a flashy guy, and he won't put up much of anything in terms of stats, but he is a solid defender and a big body, which is exactly what the Grizzlies need right now. As for Smith, he is still just 24 years old and is a very talented player despite his deficiencies in the size department, so he will likely get another shot somewhere at some point.
