Back in May 2022,Kenneth Lofton Jr was among 44 draft-eligible gamers welcomed to the G League Elite Camp, a yearly display kept inChicago Despite balancing a double-double as a student at Louisiana Tech (16.5 factors, 10.5 rebounds), he had not been taken into consideration a leading possibility. He had not yet authorized with a representative, leaving the door open for a go back to theBulldogs But because that camp, his supply has actually just climbed. And climbed. And climbed.
Based on his efficiency over the three-day occasion,Lofton Jr gained a late invite to theNBA Draft Combine On May 23, following the Combine finished, he introduced his choice to continue to be in the 2022Draft “See y’all June 23,” he created onTwitter “100% staying in the draft!” Though he had not been picked, the 20-year-old ultimately authorized a two-way agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies and also proceeded beaming at NBA Summer League in July, publishing 14.9 factors and also 6.4 rebounds per video game.
At 6-6, 275 extra pounds,Lofton Jr is developed even more like an NFL limited end than an NBA ahead. His solid framework, “bully ball” design and also smooth lefty jumper promptly advised Grizzlies followers ofZach Randolph The buzz bordering him expanded much more throughout a match withNo 2 choice Chet Holmgren, in whichLofton Jr subdued the 7-1 Gonzaga star down reduced, scratching 19 factors and also 6 boards.
A point player in secondary school prior to growing from 6-2 to 6-6 and also relocating to the frontcourt at Louisiana Tech, Lofton Jr.’s video game mirrors simply that– he is as comfy dealing with the round up leading as he is operating the message, where he offsets an absence of elevation with large muscular tissue and also exceptional maneuvering. Asked regarding the growth of his distinct ability at Grizzlies media day,Lofton Jr claimed, “I just knew post moves. I just added everything I had and put it in one bag and used it.”
That bag consists of a soft touch in the paint, a smart spin relocation and also an outstanding passing away capacity. And currently, with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League associate, he’s including in his collection. After taking simply 20 overall 3s in university, the novice is presently balancing over 4 efforts per competition. He shot half from the area and also 36 percent from behind the arc in December, balancing 21.2 factors, 8.9 rebounds and also 3.2 helps to lead his group to a 7-2 document.
Memphis went 2-0 at the current AT&T Winter Showcase in Las Vegas, the occasion that every G Leaguer has actually circled around on their schedule. Playing before precursors and also execs from all 30 NBA companies,Lofton Jr was leading. He revealed his enhanced array, tearing down 5 three-pointers and also frustrating weak protectors inside. He was unstoppable driving to his left, utilizing his body to maintain shot blockers away and also ending up via get in touch with at the edge. In both essential video games of the period up until now, he balanced 27 factors, 11.5 rebounds and also 5 helps. He was called to the All-Winter Showcase Team together with Brandon Boston Jr., Tre Mann, Isaiah Mobley and also Terry Taylor.
Of training course,Lofton Jr still has a whole lot to enhance– decreasing his turn overs, upping his effectiveness from deep, playing protection without fouling. But considering that the Elite Camp 7 months earlier, when he had not been also established on transforming professional, the large male has actually currently taken considerable actions towards ending up being an actual factor at the NBA degree.
HONORABLE STATES
Mason Jones, Forward, Mexico City Capitanes: 24.9 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 6.9 helps, 1.3 swipes, 63 FG%, 49 3P%
Isaiah Mobley, Forward, Cleveland Charge: 25.8 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 5.5 helps, 1.5 blocks, 65 FG%, 57 3P%
Mamadi Diakite, Forward, Cleveland Charge: 24 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 53 FG%
Orlando Robinson, Forward, Sioux Falls Skyforce: 25.5 factors, 15.8 rebounds, 3.5 helps, 1.5 blocks, 62 FG%
Vernon Carey Jr, Forward, Capital City Go-Go: 25.2 factors, 9.1 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 59 FG%
Carlik Jones, Guard, Windy City Bulls: 23 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 helps, 52 FG%, 37 3P%
Brandon Boston Jr, Guard, Ontario Clippers: 23.6 factors, 6.0 rebounds, 49 FG% (Winter Showcase MVP)
Brandon Williams, Guard, College Park Skyhawks: 23.4 factors, 4 rebounds, 4.3 helps, 1.6 swipes, 52 FG%, 49 3P%
Tyler Dorsey, Guard, Texas Legends: 27.3 factors, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 helps, 51 FG%, 47 3P%
DECEMBER CALL-UP TRACKER
Louis King, Forward, Rio Grande Valley Vipers to Philadelphia 76ers
AJ Lawson, Forward, College Park Skyhawks to Dallas Mavericks
Jared Rhoden, Guard, College Park Skyhawks to Detroit Pistons
Carlik Jones, Guard, Windy City Bulls to Chicago Bulls
Stanley Johnson, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to San Antonio Spurs
Orlando Robinson, Forward, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat
Photos through Getty Images.
