Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NBA Gatorade League?
The NBA Gatorade League, or NBA G League, is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers and front office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory.
Can you explain the D-League transition to the G League?
The NBA Development league was established in 2001 and began play in the 2001-02 season. Previously announced on Feb. 14, 2017 and beginning with the 2017-18 season, the NBA’s D-League will be renamed the NBA Gatorade League (NBA G League) as part of a multi-year expanded partnership. This marks the first time a U.S. professional sports league has named an entitlement partner.
How many games are in an NBA Gatorade League season?
Each G League team plays a 50-game schedule. Twenty-four (24) of those games will be played at home.
When will the team begin play?
The team will begin play during the 2017-18 NBA G League season, which runs from November through April.
Where will the team play?
The team will play in the 8,400 seat, Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.
Where will the team practice?
The team will have a permanent and dedicated locker room and basketball operations office at FedExForum in Memphis. They will share the Built Ford Tough Training Facility with the Grizzlies along with the weight room and other training amenities.
Who will the team play?
The team will compete in the NBA G League, which is slated to include 26 teams for next season, 21 owned by NBA teams.
How can I watch the games?
All fans are encouraged to watch the live action of all Memphis Hustle home games at the Landers Center by purchasing tickets. All NBA G League games, with the exception of those that are televised nationally, are streamed live on Facebook Live. Log on to www.facebook.com/memphishustle or www.facebook.com/NBADLeague before tip-off or find the link via the game page on memphishustle.com or NBADLeague.com.
When will tickets go on sale?
Season Tickets for the inaugural season are available now by logging on to memphishustle.com or calling (901) 888-HOOP. Season Tickets start at just $8 per game. Also groups of 10 or more can receive special savings available on memphishustle.com. Information on single-game tickets and partial season packages will be available at a later date.
When and where can I get the latest Memphis Hustle merchandise?
Fans are encouraged to visit grizzliesstore.com where Hustle Logo Tees are available now. Additional merchandise will be added and available soon at grizzliesstore.com as well.
How can I follow the team online?
You can follow the team @memphishustle on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or online at memphishustle.com.
Who owns the team?
The new G League team is owned by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Will Grizzlies players regularly play on the team?
The G League provides an excellent avenue for young players to gain valuable experience. Eight players on the current Grizzlies roster have G League experience, and operating our own G League franchise will provide even more opportunities for our younger players to continue developing their skills. All NBA players are eligible to be assigned to the NBA G League, with players having more than three years of NBA experience needing to consent to the assignment.
Where will the players come from?
The G League features a mix of young players, established pros looking for an opportunity to catch on with an NBA franchise, and players on assignment from their parent teams. The G League draft occurs each fall after NBA rosters are finalized.
Who is eligible to be drafted?
The league signs about 180 players each year to join the pool of draft-eligible prospects. They include college players who went undrafted in the NBA Draft, international prospects and players who were recently waived by NBA teams following training camp. Players must be 18 years old to be eligible for the NBA G League Draft, as opposed to the NBA’s age minimum of 19.
How many NBA G League players have made it to the NBA?
An all-time high 135 players with NBA G League experience were on NBA rosters at the start of the 2016-17 regular season, representing 30 percent of the league. This group includes both players who were assigned from the NBA to the NBA G League and players who were called up from the NBA G League to the NBA at some point in their careers. At least 30 NBA G League prospects have been called up to the NBA in each of the past five seasons. A record 68 NBA players were assigned to the NBA G League an all-time high 321 total times in 2015-16, while almost 80 NBA players have been assigned to the NBA G League this season.
Who will manage/coach the team?
The Grizzlies will oversee the basketball staff for the new team led by Director of Basketball Operations, Chris Makris and Head Coach, Glynn Cyprien.
What is the value in owning/operating your own G League team?
Operating our own team gives up a valuable platform for developing players, coaches and even front office personnel. The team also gives us another vehicle to connect with the many passionate basketball fans across the region.
How can I get a job with the team?
Log on to memphishustle.com or follow the team via social media, as all new positions will be posted once available.
Is there an open tryout for the team?
Further details for the open tryout will be announced at a later date and posted to memphishustle.com. All applicants must be eligible to play in the NBA G League and complete the required paperwork.
Can you explain the introduction of two-way contracts for the G League?
Each NBA team (including those without G League affiliates of their own) may sign up to two players to two-way contracts. Players may move freely back and forth between both teams as the two-way players do not count against the 15-man NBA roster. Teams now will have two additional roster spots reserved exclusively for two-way players, bumping the maximum roster size to 17.
A two-way player's time on an NBA roster is limited. He can be with the NBA team for training camp and for up to 45 days of the regular season. Once the 45-day limit is reached, the player cannot play on the NBA team for the remainder of that season unless his contract is converted from a two-way contract to a full NBA contract. The 45 days include days during which the player is on the active roster for an NBA game, travels with the team or participates in team activities such as practices and workouts. They do not include days before or after the G League season, when the player is on the NBA team's inactive list.