Memphis Grizzlies sign guards Shaquille Harrison and Jaylen Nowell amid significant injuries
Nov 23, 2023, 03:20 PM ET
The Memphis Grizzlies have been hit hard by a string of significant injuries, leading the team to sign guards Shaquille Harrison and Jaylen Nowell to 10-day hardship exceptions, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
With five players expected to be out for two-plus weeks, the NBA awarded the Grizzlies the exceptions. All-NBA guard Ja Morant continues to serve his 25-game league suspension.
The Grizzlies are currently without center Steven Adams (season-ending knee surgery) and forward Brandon Clarke (Achilles recovery), as well as experiencing shorter-term losses of guard Marcus Smart (sprained foot), guard Luke Kennard (left knee bone bruise), forward Xavier Tillman (left knee), and forward Jake LaRavia (left eye abrasion).
As a result of these injuries, the Grizzlies have struggled to find their footing and hold a disappointing record of 3-11.
In the midst of this challenging period, the Grizzlies have brought on Shaquille Harrison, 30, who will be making his eighth NBA stop with the team. Harrison previously played with Memphis in the preseason before being released.
Jaylen Nowell, 24, has also joined the Grizzlies after playing parts of four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Prior to this signing, he had joined the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate in Stockton this season.
The addition of Harrison and Nowell will provide the Grizzlies with some much-needed support as they navigate through this difficult period of injuries and player absences.
The team is hopeful that these signings, along with the eventual return of their key players, will help turn their season around and get them back on the path to success.