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Former Tennessee Vol Jahmai Mashack showing quickly in NBA Summer League why the Memphis Grizzlies took a chance on him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzles earned perhaps a few new Tennessee Vol fans last month when the team selected Jahmai Mashack with the 59th overall and last pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Tennessee fans know exactly what the Grizzles were getting when they took Mashack: a high level of effort and intensity as well as elite defense. And it didn't take long for Mashack to show that off - and then some - during the team's first week of NBA Summer League action.

Mashack had a memorable performance on Tuesday night in Memphis' 91-90 loss to Philadelphia. In 24 minutes, Mashack posted 13 points (4-9 from the field, 3-4 from three) with three steals.

The Rook is 3/3 from distance pic.twitter.com/XG60dL4ozs
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) July 9, 2025

It was a step forward from his first trip onto a professional basketball court on Sunday, where he eventually fouled out with 10 fouls (yes, the foul limit is 10 in summer league games) after posting 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists.

This is an important summer for players like Mashack, who aren't a lock to make the roster and are fighting for a back-end bench spot or to be in position for an early promotion from the G-league if they don't make the final roster before the season. There's no doubt the Grizzles got him with the hope that he can add an offensive niche to his already strong work on the defensive end of the floor.

If Mashack can perform well on the offensive end this summer, perhaps we could see him trotting onto the court with the Grizzles when the regular season begins in October.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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