Looking for more frontcourt depth, the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to deal with free agent center Ryan Hollins, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. Details of Hollins’ contract have yet to be disclosed, but he is expected to sign a one-year, veteran minimum deal.
Hollins, 30, has been an NBA journeyman throughout his nine-year career, playing for seven different franchises and could make Memphis his eighth. He has had short stints with the Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings.
Last season with Sacramento, Hollins averaged 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per night, playing in 46 games and earning nine starts. His role with each of the teams he has played for has rarely been significant, but Hollins is a terrific filler for injured players.
What Hollins tends to provide, in limited minutes, is mainly defense. On offense, he is merely a liability, but he does bring a ton of energy and intensity to the game.
Hollins’ best season as a pro came with the Timberwolves when he received 27 starts and played a total of 73 games, averaging 6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.
The Mavericks, Kings, Clippers, and Washington Wizards all registered interest in Hollins as well, but none of those teams made a strenuous effort to sign him.
The Grizzlies currently have 14 guaranteed players on their roster, and since Hollins’ contract is non-guaranteed, he will have to battle Patrick Christopher, JaMychal Green, Michael Holyfield, and Lazenic Jones for the final roster spot.
However, out of the five, Hollins probably has the best chance to make the roster cut since the Grizzlies could use an additional big man to play backup to Marc Gasol. After all, the Grizzlies do not have any true centers outside of Gasol.