Grizzlies Take Developmental Swing With New Signings

The Memphis Grizzlies are doubling down on their developmental philosophy, recently signing center Lawson Lovering and forward Tyler Burton. While terms of the deals were not disclosed, the message is clear: Memphis is continuing to stockpile hard-working players.

Grizzlies Take Developmental Swing With New Signings

A New Big Man Project in Lovering

Standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 235 pounds, Lovering brings size and defensive presence to a team that has long leaned on rim protection and interior toughness. The Wyoming native played his senior year at Utah, where he started all 28 games and averaged 8.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 23.8 minutes per contest. His ability to move the ball from the high post, combined with his length and defensive instincts, makes him an intriguing developmental piece.

Lovering’s path to Memphis was unconventional. After two seasons at Colorado, he transferred to Utah, where he blossomed into a reliable player. For Memphis, Lovering represents a low-risk, high-upside addition. With Steven Adams gone and questions surrounding long-term depth in the frontcourt, Lovering could carve out a niche as a situational big who thrives on defense and energy plays.

Burton’s Versatility and Experience

At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Tyler Burton enters the Grizzlies’ system with a slightly different résumé. A Massachusetts native, Burton has already spent time in both the G League and the NCAA’s high-profile stages. Last season, he appeared in eight G League games with the Memphis Hustle. While his role was small, the experience allowed him to acclimate to the pace and physicality of the professional game.

Burton’s collegiate career is even more compelling. After four years at Richmond, where he established himself as one of the Atlantic 10’s most reliable scorers, Burton transferred to Villanova for his final season, testing himself against elite Big East competition. His scoring versatility, defensive instincts, and rebounding ability made him an attractive undrafted free-agent candidate following the 2024 NBA Draft. He furthered his case in the Summer League, appearing in six games with the Grizzlies.

At 25 years old, Burton is older than most developmental prospects, but that maturity may serve him well. Memphis has a history of uncovering value in players who take a less linear route to the NBA. John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. all carved out roles after initially being overlooked. Burton’s toughness, perimeter defense, and willingness to do the little things could position him as the next success story.

The Bigger Picture for Memphis

The signings of Lovering and Burton highlight the Grizzlies’ strategy of balancing star power with depth pieces. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain the focal points, but Memphis has consistently emphasized finding and developing role players who can thrive in specific situations. With last season derailed by injuries, depth became a glaring need.

Adding two players already familiar with the Grizzlies’ system through Summer League and, in Burton’s case, the G League affiliate, ensures a smoother transition. The deals also fit the franchise’s cost-conscious roster-building approach, where young, inexpensive talent is nurtured into reliable contributors.

Looking Ahead

Neither Lovering nor Burton will be asked to carry the scoring load or step into starting roles immediately. Instead, their value will be measured by their ability to fit seamlessly into Memphis’ culture of effort and resilience. For Lovering, that means anchoring the paint, defending the rim, and continuing to develop his offensive tools. For Burton, it is about being a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and provide energy off the bench.

The Grizzlies have built their identity on development, from Morant’s rapid rise to Jackson Jr.’s defensive leap to the emergence of role players who thrive in high-pressure moments. By signing Lovering and Burton, Memphis is betting that its developmental pipeline will once again turn overlooked prospects into meaningful contributors.

The Grizzlies have made this gamble before, and it has often paid off.