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Report: Grizzlies Second-Round Pick Richie Saunders Could Return to College
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- Report: Grizzlies Second-Round Pick Richie Saunders Could Return to College
(Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Richie Saunders could be headed back to college before beginning his NBA career, according to a report.
Saunders, who was drafted No. 32 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, remains unsigned after being granted an additional year of NCAA eligibility. The BYU product has been out after tearing his ACL in February against the Colorado Buffaloes.
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Thrill Keightley reported that the No.32 overall pick could be a name to watch for Kentucky's remaining open roster spot and that he is considering a return to college.
Mark Pope, the head coach of Kentucky's men's program, has an interest in reuniting with his former guard.
Memphis Grizzlies Have Been Busy
The Grizzlies have had a busy offseason, which included drafting three players and trading back multiple times to acquire Karim Lòpez . Memphis drafted Cameron Boozer No.3 overall, Karim López No.21, and Richie Saunder s at No.32.
Only Boozer and Lòpez have showcased their talents during the Summer. The franchise drafted Saunders at the beginning of the second round without any high expectations.
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Saunders missed Summer League due to a torn ACL, and his chances of playing in Grind City are bleak. The organization is in a rebuild with young talent and has to cut the roster down to 15 players.
Reports have recently surfaced from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto on Friday that the team may cut Taj Gibson, who has a $3.8 million salary. D'Angelo Russell is another player who is expected to be traded or bought out by the franchise.
While Memphis may be rebuilding, they are centering their focus around Boozer, Cedric Coward , and possibly Olivier-Maxence Prosper , who will be entering his fourth season in the league and second season with the franchise.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recently received a buyout from the franchise and is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers .
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While the Grizzlies need more floor spacing and three-point shooting, Saunders may not be the answer this season. He averaged 18 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 37.6 percent from three and 48.9 percent from the field.
Room for Growth
With the Grizzlies continuing to build out its roster one player the team would like to see growth from is Prosper. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Friday that the Grizzlies want to keep the forward despite the roster crunch.
Prosper joined the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2025 after he was waived by the Mavericks. The Grizzlies picked up his $2.4 million option for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
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In Dallas , the Memphis forward averaged 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds while playing 10.0 minutes per game. The Grizzlies are hoping to see if he can provide the current roster with 3-point shooting and defense on the wing. During the Summer League circuit, he provided the team with consistency offensively and on the boards.
Last season in Memphis, Prosper averaged 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting 40.5% from the 3-point range. As of now, he is the team's strongest three-point shooter.
