The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1518781
MAY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 55 BY CLAYTON SAYFIE F ormer Michigan point guard Za- vier Simpson was called up from the G League to the NBA, with the Memphis Grizzlies signing him to successive 10- day contracts on March 30 and April 9. Prior to his call-up, Simpson spent the season with the Motor City Cruise. He c u r re n t ly ra n ks fo u r t h i n t h e G League with 9.2 assists per game. Ap- pearing in 32 outings, he was second on the team with an average of 20.0 points per contest while shooting 46.4 per- cent from the field and 39.3 percent on three-pointers. Simpson earned his chance and ap- peared in his first NBA regular-season game since April 2022 when the Griz- zlies lost 118-88 to the Orlando Magic March 30. Simpson recorded 4 assists, 1 rebound and 1 steal, going scoreless on 0-of-1 shooting from the field, in nine minutes. This is the third time in his career that Simpson has been called up to the NBA, and he shared his perspective on his journey with his hometown media outlet, The Lima (Ohio) News. "You just have to embrace the op- portunity, enjoy it and soak all of it in," Simpson said. "You have to embrace ev- ery single step and be the best you can be, whether it's five minutes [of playing time] or the whole game. "You have to let the eyes and ears of different people see you work hard as a professional in a new environment. It's a chance to prove you belong in the league." He's made three appearances since being elevated this season, averaging 24.0 minutes per night. He followed up his debut by playing 30-plus minutes in both a 108-90 win over the Detroit Pistons April 5 and a 116-96 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers the next night. Simpson compiled 2 points, 3 as- sists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds and a block versus Detroit. He then put together a 14-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist, 2-block and 2-steal performance against Phila- delphia. He shot 4 of 12 from the field, including 3 of 4 from long range. His 14 points were the second most he's had in seven career NBA games, behind only his 17-point showing in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on April 10, 2022. Memphis has used injury hardship exceptions this season in order to sign players to 10-day contracts and fill the roster. The Grizzlies were without guards Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose. Simpson was happy about the op- portunity help fill the roster void for the Grizzlies. "It's about continuing to pursue your ❱ MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Zavier Simpson Gets His Shot Before his March 30 call-up to the NBA, Simpson ranked fourth in the G League with 9.2 assists per game and second on the Motor City Cruise with 20.0 points per contest. PHOTO COURTESY MOTOR CITY CRUISE