Memphis Grizzlies: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

10. Sam Young (SF) — No. 36 pick in 2009 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Grizzlies, 2009-12):  179 GP, 6.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 45.5 FG%, 24.3 3P%, 77.6 FT%

Sam Young isn’t a name that will instantly come to mind. However, he was able to carve out a productive stint with the Grizzlies during the turn of the decade.

The Pittsburgh alum entered the NBA as a 24-year-old. His advanced age was due to him attending military school between high school and college. However, that was spun as a positive; he was more mature than the average rookie.

Young was inserted into the rotation right away. He played 80 games and averaged 16.5 minutes per game in his rookie campaign. He averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game on the season.

Young played a bigger role during the 2010-11 season. He played 78 games that year, but made 46 starts. Young began starting at shooting guard in mid-January and managed to hold the role into the playoffs. Despite having his workload increased to a career-high 20.2 minutes per game, his averages were identical to the year before. He came away with 7.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Young would last 21 games into the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent the 2012-13 season with the Indiana Pacers before going overseas. He currently plays in Lebanon for Homenetmen Beirut.

Sam Young was a big, athletic wing player. He had a short tenure in Memphis, but he managed to make a small impact with the time he was given.