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Memphis Grizzlies Look to Add Frontcourt Depth with Ryan Hollins

By Tom Firme

Nov 24, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ryan Hollins (15) takes the court for the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. Clippers won 121-82. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ryan Hollins (15) takes the court for the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. Clippers won 121-82. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies scooped up Ryan Hollins as a possibility to add frontcourt depth. Hollins faces competition to grab the last spot on the Grizzlies’ roster, but would be a welcome addition to solidify their bench’s defense.

As The Commercial Appeal’s Ron Tillery reported, Hollins only receives a nonguaranteed deal.

The Grizzlies have 14 players with guaranteed contracts and JaMychal Green holds a partially guaranteed arrangement.

The 30-year-old center posted three points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game across 46 appearances for the Sacramento Kings last season, making nine starts. He’s played for seven teams in his nine-year career, averaging 3.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the field in 481 games.

Hollins has a reasonable chance of beating Green and Michael Holyfield for the last spot. Partly, that’s due to experience. Green, who the Grizzlies picked up on Jan. 18, only has one NBA season and 24 games under his belt. Holyfield has not made an NBA team before.

Hollins’ disciplined defense, accurate inside shooting and playoff experience suggest he’s a worthy player for the Grizzlies to hold at the end of their bench. He may be valuable during the second half of the season or in the playoffs if Gasol is tired or backup center Brandan Wright is injured.

After all, Wright has only appeared in more than 65 games once in his seven-year career.

ESPN.com’s Marc Stein noted via Twitter that the arrival of Hollins and 31-year-old guard Dan Nwaelele comes with a bit of change to the list of training camp invites.

Another omen of the Hollins signing is that rookie guard Andrew Harrison seems even less likely to ink a deal with the Grizzlies. With the Grizzlies bringing in a veteran for a potential roster spot and focusing significant energy on frontcourt depth through this training camp competition, it’s unlikely the Kentucky product will make the team.

Next: 25 Best Players to Play for the Memphis Grizzlies

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