Grizzlies Assign Richie Saunders to Memphis Hustle
The team officially assigned its 2026 second-round draft pick to the organization's G League affiliate.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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The Memphis Grizzlies have assigned 2026 draft selection Richie Saunders to the Memphis Hustle. The 6-foot-5 guard joins the G League affiliate as he continues recovery from an ACL injury.
Why it matters
The assignment allows the Grizzlies to manage Saunders development and integration within the organization as he works toward a potential return to play later this season.
Selected as the 32nd overall pick, Saunders averaged 18 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game during his final senior season at BYU.
The players
Richie Saunders
He is a 6-foot-5 basketball player selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft after playing for BYU.
Memphis Grizzlies
This is a professional NBA team based in Memphis that holds the draft rights to Richie Saunders.
Memphis Hustle
This is the G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies that serves as the organization's developmental team.
The details
Saunders, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, sustained a torn right ACL on February 15. The Grizzlies retain his NBA draft rights and will use the assignment to the Hustle to facilitate his return to the court.
Timeline
February 15, 2026: Richie Saunders suffered a torn right ACL.
June 2026: Richie Saunders was selected in the 2026 NBA Draft.
2026-2027 Season: Richie Saunders assigned to the Memphis Hustle.
Season Trajectory
This assignment follows the structural path established by the NBA G League Assignment Rules to manage player development. The Grizzlies are utilizing these rules to integrate Saunders as he nears a potential mid-season return.
Fantasy basketball managers should monitor Saunders for any updates regarding his conditioning and potential return to the floor. His presence with the Hustle is the primary metric for tracking his progress toward a return to active Grizzlies status.
The takeaway
The move is a strategic step to monitor the health and progress of a recent draft pick within the organization's controlled environment. Fans should expect the team to prioritize his long-term recovery over immediate on-court production.
Further reading
For more on the latest team moves, visit the Memphis Basketball section.
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