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Memphis Grizzlies: 25 Best To Play For The Grizzlies

By Phil Watson

Apr 22, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; General view of towels on the seats prior to the San Antonio Spurs at the Memphis Grizzlies in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; General view of towels on the seats prior to the San Antonio Spurs at the Memphis Grizzlies in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 1: Stromile Swift #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire #32, Shawn Marion #31, and Quentin Richardson #3 in Game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at the FedExForum on May 1, 2005 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Suns won 123-115 to sweep the series 4-0. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 1: Stromile Swift #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire #32, Shawn Marion #31, and Quentin Richardson #3 in Game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at the FedExForum on May 1, 2005 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Suns won 123-115 to sweep the series 4-0. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

player. 211. <strong>How acquired:</strong> 2nd overall pick from LSU, 2000 NBA Draft; Trade, Houston Rockets, July 12, 2006.. PF-C. 2000-05, 2006-08. Stromile Swift. 17

Stromile Swift made a quantum leap between his freshman and sophomore seasons at LSU, going from reserve to All-American while averaging 16.2 points and 8.2 rebounds a game.

He declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and the Vancouver Grizzlies used the No. 2 overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft to take the uber-athletic big man.

MEM_17_SWIFT
MEM_17_SWIFT /

Swift showed flashes of potential during his first five seasons with the Grizzlies, who moved to Memphis after his rookie year, but was never able to maintain consistency and was also plagued by several nagging injuries.

In August 2005, Swift signed a five-year free-agent deal with the Houston Rockets.

But after just one season away, the Rockets returned Swift to Memphis in July 2006 along with the rights to eighth overall pick Rudy Gay in exchange for Shane Battier.

Swift’s second stint with the Grizzlies ended in February 2008 when he was traded to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Jason Collins.

The trade came five days after Swift had been suspended for what was termed “conduct detrimental to the team,” a disagreement during a game with coach Marc Iavaroni.

In parts of seven seasons in Vancouver and Memphis, Swift averaged 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game, shooting .471/.042/.709.

The Nets waived Swift in March 2009 and he signed three days later with the Phoenix Suns.

Signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia 76ers in September 2009, he was waived early in the preseason. He played the 2009-10 season in China before retiring.

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