Memphis Grizzlies sign Briante Weber to a 10-day contract
By Tony East
Briante Weber has signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Who is he, and what does the deal mean?
The Memphis Grizzlies used their open roster spot to sign Xavier Rathan-Mayes to a 10-day contract in early March. Rathan-Mayes played in five games and scored 29 total points, but he had a dreadful 28.6 shooting percentage and turned the ball over more than twice per game.
The Grizzlies front office was not impressed enough by his play, so they let his 10-day contract expire. To fill the roster spot created by his departure, the front office is bringing in Briante Weber on a 10-day deal.
What was not mentioned about Rathan-Mayes is that he was forced to play 23.6 minutes per game in this stretch. He definitely wasn’t ready, and it likely caused some of his bad play, but Memphis has no other choice at the point guard position.
Mike Conley? Injured. Mario Chalmers? Injured. Andrew Harrison? Injured. Tyreke Evans? Injured. The list is extensive, and the Memphis Grizzlies are running out of guard depth. That’s why, when Rathan-Mayes’ 10-day contract expired, the front office knew it needed to sign another guard to fill in the minutes.
Enter Briante Weber.
Weber isn’t your usual 10-day contract recipient. Most of these guys are young and full of potential; guys who just need a chance to prove they belong. Weber, on the other hand, is already an established player.
The point guard is in his third NBA season and has already made many other stops around the league. He has only played in 40 games, but he played with the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and even the Grizzlies.
His first stint in Memphis was a similar situation. He was brought in on a 10-day contract when the team was banged up and appeared in six games, starting four of them. He averaged 4.8 points per game on 34.2 percent shooting from the field.
That scoring total is still his highest per game average he had in any of his stops around the league. His shooting percentage has improved, but Weber isn’t really an offensive force. Scoring isn’t his thing.
Defense is.
Every single place Weber is brought in, he is signed to be a defensive specialist. He fits in with any other group of players thanks to his speed, passing and defensive prowess. That combination of skills makes him the perfect 10-day candidate for any team since he can plug and play with anyone.
Like already described, his best skill is his defense, something Memphis desperately needs at the point of attack. On a team that has Kobi Simmons playing big minutes, having someone who can do things like this to manufacture extra possessions would be helpful for everyone on the roster:
The Memphis Grizzlies will be happy to have a defensive specialist in their guard rotation, even if it is just for 10 days. He could even start for them.
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The best part about Weber? He’s only 25 years old. If he plays well, he could be signed to a long-term contract and be a part of the Grizzlies’ future. Regardless, he is better than any point guard they have now, and he may even be good enough to help right the ship during this incredible 18-game losing streak. These 10 days are crucial for him and the organization.