WATCH: Former Tennessee star Kennedy Chandler gets up for block in NBA Summer League
Former Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler faces many questions entering the 2022 NBA Draft due to his small stature. However, he erased those doubts and a shot during Summer League action on Tuesday night in his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies.
After falling into the second round, Chandler was selected by his hometown team and placed on the Summer League roster. He capitalized on his opportunity to show off on ESPN by getting up for a chase-down block in the fourth quarter.
The defensive highlights continued until the final whistle as he again made the reel with a last-second steal against fellow Tennessee Volunteer Jaden Springer. His outlet pass to Ziaire Williams led to a pair of free throws which ended the game at 103-99 to seal a nice start for the rookie.
Chandler finished the game with eight points, four rebounds and four assists, adding four steals and three blocks at just 6-foot tall.
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Kennedy Chandler agrees to rookie contract
Former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler has also agreed to a four-year deal worth $7.1 million with the Memphis Grizzlies after going No. 38 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He also receives $4.94 million in guaranteed money, the most for any American prospect picked in the second round.
Kennedy Chandler agreed to his rookie contract as he makes his NBA Summer League debut in Salt Lake City against the Philadelphia 76ers. The public announcement came at halftime of the game, which the Grizzlies lead by double digits.
Over 34 games as a freshman under Rick Barnes last season, Chandler started every game while averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists on his way to the All-SEC team and subsequent SEC Tournament MVP award. At 6-foot tall, he also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from the 3-point line.