{"id":106539,"date":"2024-11-15T18:30:58","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T23:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=106539"},"modified":"2024-11-15T17:52:30","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T22:52:30","slug":"armando-bacot-g-league-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/15\/armando-bacot-g-league-start\/","title":{"rendered":"Armando Bacot’s Hot G-League Start Ignites Front Office Decisions"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Memphis Hustle, the official G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, kicked off their season this past week. After falling short in each of their first two contests, the Hustle will look to put one in the win column when they take on the Oklahoma City Blue Friday night. Hustle forward Armando Bacot<\/a> is putting up<\/a> 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists per game in 35.1 minutes per contest.<\/p>\n

Former UNC Star Armando Bacot’s Hot G-League Start Ignites Front Office Decisions<\/h2>\n

The Utah Jazz signed undrafted free-agent power forward Armando Bacot to an Exhibit 10 contract back in June. The Memphis Grizzlies would scoop Bacot after he averaged<\/a> 8.3 points and five rebounds while shooting 61% from the field\u00a0in the Summer League. After cutting him for the likes of Yuki Kawamura<\/a>, the Grizzlies would designate Bacot as an affiliate player. Ultimately the UNC alum would agree to a G-League deal with the organization. With an already substantial amount of depth in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, Bacot faces an uphill battle but remains a player to monitor as the season unfolds.<\/p>\n

Led by Zach Edey<\/a>, Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a>, and Brandon Clarke<\/a>, the Memphis Grizzlies are second in the NBA<\/a> in field goal percentage inside five feet of the basket. They’re currently ranked in the top five in the league<\/a> in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, and field goal percentage. It’s been nothing short of a stellar job done by Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins given the injuries the Grizzlies have sustained thus far.<\/p>\n

Grizzly Paint<\/h3>\n

Armando Bacot showcased what drew so much attention from team scouts throughout his collegiate career in his first two G-League games. When you consider all things it’s no surprise why Grizzlies executive Zach Kleiman decided to take a flyer on Bacot. Bacot’s high motor and fluidity at the position are traits that the modern NBA still very much value. Listed at 6-foot-11, 240 lbs., Bacot finds gaps in the defenses very effectively. When rolling off pick-and-roll sets and in the mid-post, Bacot is a very selfless, willing connective passer. The three-time first-team All-ACC forward doesn’t possess the most polished face-up scoring gifts but is a force in the paint. The Grizzlies are already an outstanding rebounding team. Six Grizzlies<\/a> are averaging at least five rebounds or more per game.<\/p>\n