His transfer went somewhat unnoticed in the offseason madness, but Josh Christopher joined Memphis during the summer, from Houston and as part of a five-team sign-&-trade involving Dillon Brooks, Patty Mills, Kenyon Martin Jr., Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington Jr.
At first glance, the 21-year-old full-back won’t enjoy the same opportunities at the Grizzliessince it arrives within an already well-established and competitive franchise, with direct competitors who are called Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard and John Konchar, or even Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose.
Still, Josh Christopher has confidence in himself and his ability to establish himself as one of the future base men in Taylor Jenkins’ rotation…
” I can contribute a lot, I am an influential player on both sides of the pitch “, he proclaims thus at ClutchPoints. ” I obviously worked on my shooting, to be able to play as a spot-up shooter, and I also defend. I also use my creative skills to play ball in hand and have a real influence on the game and the victories. »
A third year already pivotal?
Still, Josh Christopher must not be retained by Memphis, since the Tennessee franchise currently has 17 players under guaranteed contract, two more than the authorized limit. Choices will therefore have to be made by local leaders and it could be that the 24th choice of the 2021 Draft will pay the price, while he will have a “team option” for 2024/25…
But if there is one area in which he thinks he can contribute and make a difference, it is in defence.
” They always say that defense wins titles “, he recalls, before detailing where his passion for this aspect of the game comes from. I am the youngest of my siblings and I grew up playing against my brothers. So to get the ball back I always had to make a stop and that’s kind of been part of me for a long time. I’m athletic and when I was in high school I always played a few post 5 streaks so I had to protect the circle and I think [que mes aptitudes défensives] also come from there. »
The disappointment of leaving Houston aside, Josh Christopher says to himself “ excited by the opportunity that presents itself to him with the Grizzlies, aspiring to the title and with whom he hopes to make his mark in the NBA, after two first discreet seasons (6.9 points on average).
” I want to settle down “, he admits, regarding his new start in Memphis. ” It is always said that the third year is pivotal in the career of a player and I am there. So I want to be able to establish myself as a player and find my home. »
| Josh Christopher | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | HOO | 74 | 18 | 44.8 | 29.6 | 73.5 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 7.9 |
| 2022-23 | HOO | 64 | 12 | 46.5 | 23.6 | 75.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 5.8 |
| Total | 138 | 15 | 45.5 | 27.7 | 74.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 7.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
