Memphis Grizzlies fans are facing a dramatically different reality than they were in 2022, when the team finished with a 56-win season and a promising playoff run that ended in the conference semi-finals against the Golden State Warriors. The return of Kyle Anderson to the franchise brings a familiar face to a team undergoing significant change.
A Changed Landscape in Memphis
“It’s completely different. It’s not like when I was there,” Anderson related, noting he recognizes only three teammates from his previous stint: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama. Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar were involved in trades since his departure.
Despite the shifts, one constant remains: the unwavering support of the Grizzlies fanbase. “I tell a lot of people who misunderstand Memphis that it’s a beautiful city, with people who support you no matter what,” Anderson said, highlighting the passionate atmosphere that defines the team’s home court.
Challenges and a Departing Star
The current season presents new hurdles for the Grizzlies, with a record of 20 wins and 32 losses. The team is also navigating the absence of Ja Morant, whose career trajectory has faced setbacks due to off-court and physical issues.
- Morant’s departure marks a significant shift for the Grizzlies.
- The team’s current record reflects a period of rebuilding.
- Anderson’s return offers a potential source of stability.
With 32 years of experience, including a previous tenure in Memphis, Kyle Anderson possesses the wisdom to mentor younger players. However, he doesn’t see that as his primary role.
“I don’t want to come in here and start telling people what to do, I don’t want to use my voice like that,” he announced. “I’m here if the guys need me. Whenever I am needed, to learn from my experiences, I am there to help. But I’m not going to act like a super veteran with 31 matches still to play.”
Looking Back: Kyle Anderson’s Career Stats
| Kyle Anderson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2014-15 | on | 33 | 10:51 | 34.8 | 27.3 | 64.3 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 2.2 |
| 2015-16 | on | 78 | 15:58 | 46.8 | 32.4 | 74.7 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 4.5 |
| 2016-17 | on | 72 | 14:10 | 44.5 | 37.5 | 78.9 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 3.4 |
| 2017-18 | on | 74 | 26:44 | 52.7 | 33.3 | 71.2 | 1.1 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 7.9 |
| 2018-19 | MEM | 43 | 29:47 | 54.3 | 26.5 | 57.8 | 1.1 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 8.0 |
| 2019-20 | MEM | 67 | 19:51 | 47.4 | 28.2 | 66.7 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 5.8 |
| 2020-21 | MEM | 69 | 27:21 | 46.8 | 36.0 | 78.3 | 0.8 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 12.4 |
| 2021-22 | MEM | 69 | 21:30 | 44.6 | 33.0 | 63.8 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 7.6 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 69 | 28:22 | 50.9 | 41.0 | 73.5 | 1.0 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 4.9 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 9.4 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 79 | 22:33 | 46.0 | 22.9 | 70.8 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 6.4 |
| 2024-25 | GS | 36 | 15:02 | 45.0 | 36.5 | 66.7 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 5.3 |
| 2024-25 | MIA | 25 | 18:26 | 49.3 | 33.3 | 78.9 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 6.7 |
| 2025-26 | UTA | 20 | 20:03 | 52.3 | 60.0 | 65.8 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 7.1 |
| 2025-26 | MEM | 2 | 26:30 | 80.0 | 60.0 | 0.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 9.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
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