The Memphis Grizzlies waived former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler Saturday afternoon ahead of the start of the NBA Playoffs, Stadium’s Sham Charania first reported.
After Steven Adams suffered a season ending injury, Memphis signed G Leaguer Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a multi-year contract and cut Chandler. The rookie Chandler signed a multi-year contract with Memphis after the Grizzlies selected the Tennessee standout with the 38th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Chandler was the Grizzlies’ third string point guard behind star Ja Morant and reliable back up Tyus Jones. The Memphis native played in 36 games for his hometown team before being waived, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.
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While Chandler spent most of his rookie season in Memphis, the 5-foot-11 guard averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists in seven games played in the G League.
Before going to the NBA, Chandler spent one season at Tennessee as Rick Barnes’ starting point guard. Chandler started all 34 games for Tennessee in his one season in Knoxville, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists per game. The five-star freshman got better as his lone college season went on and was a star by the time the 2021-22 season was over.
Chandler led Tennessee to its first SEC Tournament Championship since 1979, earning tournament MVP honors by averaging 14.7 points and five assists per game.
What’s next for Chandler is unclear as he looks for a new home in the NBA.
One Response
Chandler needed at least one more year, possibly two. All these guys see is the money and only listen to agents who make money off of their contracts.