When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Vince Williams Jr. with the 47th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the move barely registered on the national radar. A two-way contract followed, and Williams’ early path suggested a developmental role rather than an immediate impact. But through perseverance and flashes of high-level play, Williams earned a multi-year contract in January 2024. His rise from an overlooked pick to a meaningful contributor quickly became one of Memphis’ most intriguing storylines.
Vince Williams Jr. Aims to Restore the Grit in Memphis
Steady Growth and Setbacks
Williams’ production illustrates both his promise and the challenges he faced. During the 2023–24 season, he logged 52 games at 27.6 minutes per contest, averaging 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. It was a breakout year that hinted at a reliable two-way wing who could defend, rebound, and connect the offense.
The 2024–25 season, however, was far more turbulent. Through 27 games, Williams averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.5 minutes per night. While still efficient in stretches, his reduced role and diminished output stemmed largely from injury interruptions and the struggle to regain rhythm.
Year-by-Year Breakdown:
2023–24 (MEM): 52 GP, 27.6 MIN, 10.0 PTS, 5.6 REB, 3.4 AST
2024–25 (MEM): 27 GP, 18.5 MIN, 6.6 PTS, 3.6 REB, 2.0 AST
The Injury Hurdle
Health was the defining obstacle in Williams’ young career. A stress reaction in his left tibia sidelined him for stretches of the 2023–24 season and lingered into the following year. In November 2024, he suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain, an injury that kept him out for an extended period and limited his explosiveness when he returned.
Adding to the adversity, Williams missed additional time in September 2025 due to illness. The cumulative effect of these setbacks was a stunted progression. Instead of building on his breakout campaign, he was forced to recalibrate, rehabbing his body while regaining consistency on the court.
Defensive Identity and the “Grizzlies Grit”
When healthy, Williams embodied the very qualities Memphis fans revere: toughness, defensive intensity, and selfless play. At 6-foot-6 with a sturdy frame and high basketball IQ, he could guard multiple positions and disrupt elite wings. His ability to close out on shooters, fight through screens, and switch onto guards made him a valuable piece in a league increasingly defined by versatility.
Memphis has long thrived on its gritty reputation, a culture cultivated during the “Grit and Grind” era led by Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Marc Gasol. Williams, though not yet a household name, fit that mold. His defense-first mentality gave the Grizzlies a chance to rediscover that edge.
The Bounce-Back Season
The key question for Williams is simple: Can he stay on the floor? If he returns to full health, there is a clear path for him to reestablish himself as a rotational cornerstone. Memphis, a team in transition with young stars and evolving roles, needs wings who can defend and move the ball. Williams checks those boxes when available.
For Williams, 2025 represented both a challenge and an opportunity. Injuries tested his resolve, but his track record suggested resilience. The Grizzlies hoped he could once again showcase the form he displayed in 2023–24, when his versatility made him one of the team’s most dependable options.
A Player Memphis Needs
Vince Williams Jr.’s story is one of perseverance. Drafted in the late second round, he clawed his way into a meaningful role. Injuries derailed his ascent, but his potential remained intact. For a franchise searching to recapture its trademark grit, Williams was precisely the kind of player who could help lead that revival, if health finally stays on his side.
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