
Memphis Grizzlies Sign Two Iowa Energy Players
Published on September 25, 2014 under NBA G League (G League)
Iowa Wolves News Release
Des Moines, Iowa - The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team has signed free agents Michael Beasley, Patrick Christopher, Earl Clark, Luke Hancock, Kalin Lucas and Hassan Whiteside. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.
Both Christopher and Lucas played for the Iowa Energy last season, now the single-partner affiliate of the Grizzlies. "Both Patrick and Kalin are terrific players who demonstrated an ability to play at the highest level during their season in Iowa. I'm excited to keep them in the Grizzlies' family," said Chris Makris, Director of Minor League Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Christopher (6-5, 209) recorded 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 33.4 minutes in 50 games (47 starts) last season for the Energy. While with the Energy, the 26-year-old earned D-League Performer of the Week honors after scoring a D-League career-high 47 points on April 4, 2014 vs. Maine. Undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Compton, Calif. native has played professionally in Turkey (2010-11, 2012-13) and France (2011-12) following a four-year career at the University of California (2006-10).
Lucas (6-1, 186) posted 15.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 29.0 minutes in 29 games (20 starts) last season with the Energy and also competed for the Grizzlies in the 2014 Orlando Pro Summer League. The 25-year-old also has had professional stints in Turkey (2011-12, 2012-13) and Greece (2011-12). Undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Sterling Heights, Mich. native played four seasons at Michigan State University (2007-11), leading the Spartans to the 2009 NCAA National Championship Game and leaving the program as the career leader in free throws made (507) and attempted (637).
Beasley (6-9, 235) comes to Memphis after averaging 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15.1 minutes and shooting a career-high .499 from the field in 55 games (two starts) last season for the Miami Heat. The 25-year-old Beasley has played for the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns.
Hancock (6-6, 200) joins the Grizzlies after playing the final two years of his collegiate career (2012-14) at the University of Louisville, where he won the Most Outstanding Player Award after leading the Cardinals to the 2013 NCAA Tournament Championship.
Whiteside (7-0, 235) started the 2013-14 season playing in Lebanon before moving onto his second tour of duty in China. The Gastonia, N.C. native was drafted by Sacramento in the second round (33rd) of the 2010 NBA Draft following his freshman season at Marshall University.
The Memphis Grizzlies roster now stands at 20 players entering training camp.
Iowa Energy 2014-2015 season tickets are on sale now starting at just $199. Group tickets, Flex packs and payments plans are now available. For more information, visit IowaNBA.com or contact the Energy at (515)-564-8550. For more information on the Energy, 'like' the Iowa Energy on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@iowaenergy).
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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