Memphis Grizzlies: 25 Best To Play For The Grizzlies
By Phil Watson
211. <strong>How acquired:</strong> Trade, Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2003.. SG. 2003-05. Bonzi Wells. 20. player
Bonzi Wells was self-destructing with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies were able to swoop in and get the talented wing on the cheap in December 2003.
Wells had been disciplined twice the previous month, including a two-game suspension and being stripped of his title as co-captain after cursing out Portland coach Maurice Cheeks after Wells was pulled from a game.
and a 2004 first-round pick.
But Wells’ issues continued, both with injuries and behavior. In March 2004, he was fined by the NBA for throwing the ball into the stands during a game and he also struggled with foot, back and groin injuries.
The Grizzlies exercised the option on Wells’ contract in July 2005, but dealt him to the Sacramento Kings the next month in exchange for Bobby Jackson and Greg Ostertag.
In parts of two seasons in Memphis, Wells averaged 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 23.1 minutes per game, shooting .439/.345/.750.
An All-American as a senior at Ball State, where he averaged 22.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, Wells was the 11th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
He was traded to Portland in January 1999 in exchange for a 1999 first-round pick and a second-rounder in 2000.
Unsigned as a free agent over the summer, Wells signed in October 2006 with the Houston Rockets. He was traded to the New Orleans Hornets in February 2008 in a three-team deal that included the Grizzlies.
Unsigned as a free agent in 2008, Wells played a season in China and one in Puerto Rico before returning to the NBA in December 2011. Wells signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who waived him just eight days later.
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