Story by
Richie Saunders Remains Unsigned as Grizzlies Work Through Roster Crunch
- Story by
- Richie Saunders Remains Unsigned as Grizzlies Work Through Roster Crunch
(Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal)
The Memphis Grizzlies are 1-1 in the preseason after losing to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night as they continue to cut down the 20-man roster to 15. Rookie guard Richie Saunders remains unsigned.
Saunders was drafted No. 32 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, the team selected him knowing that he had torn his ACL in February.
Advertisement
The BYU product does have one more year of eligibility remaining and could go back to college. However, there is optimism that he could still be signed by the Grizzlies despite their roster crunch.
According to Jackson Payne, a Grizzlies writer for the Deseret News, Saunders could have been drafted earlier if healthy and fits the team's culture despite his injury.
"Anyone who's seen Saunders play knows the 6-foot-5, hustling sharpshooter fits Memphis 'grit and grind' culture," Payne wrote .
Memphis Still Has a Decision to Make on Saunders
The NBA season is less than three weeks away, and Saunders is still unsigned, but there is still a path for him to join the Grizzlies.
Advertisement
Although the No. 32 pick isn't a huge loss, Memphis has been intentional about adding more shooting to the roster. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman spoke highly of Saunders during a media session in September.
The team may be able to sign Saunders to a two-way contract, which would allow Memphis to carry him without using one of its 15 standard roster spots.
Despite the injury, his size and shooting still give him value. Memphis is rebuilding, so there would be no need to rush him into a meaningful role.
Saunders averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 37.6% from 3-point range and 48.9% from the field.
Advertisement
Saunders Could Fit Memphis' Long-Term Direction
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has been experimenting with different rotations throughout the preseason. This marks his second full season as the Grizzlies' head coach.
Despite the team's current rebuilding status, he has a lot of young talent and lineup combinations to experiment with. Now that the previous Grizzlies era is over, he has an opportunity to help reshape the culture around a younger roster.
Iisalo will have the opportunity to implement new systems with a fresh group and a more balanced approach between the frontcourt and backcourt.
Advertisement
With younger talent and no clear franchise player carrying immediate playoff expectations, Memphis has time to develop players instead of forcing short-term results.
That could make Saunders a worthwhile developmental bet if the Grizzlies can find a contract structure that works.
All NBA teams will have to make their final roster cuts on Monday, Oct. 19, as the regular season gets underway Oct. 20.
