After finishing off the 2017-18 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Omari Johnson will play for the Golden State Warriors during NBA Summer League, RidiculousUpside.com has learned. This news comes just two days after the Grizzlies waived him.
The 28 year old received a late season NBA call-up (the first of his career) and appeared in four April contests for the big league club. He spent most of the campaign playing for the G League affiliate Memphis Hustle, averaging 16.5 points on 46% from the field and 42% from deep to go with 6.4 rebounds. He provided an invaluable veteran presence for a young and scrappy squad full of up and comers.
Earlier this offseason, Hustle head coach Glynn Cyprien praised Johnson’s impact for Memphis as an expansion squad. “Omari was great with [Chance Comanche], just putting his arms around him all season long,” he said. “You can hear encouragement from your coach, but when you hear it from your peers, it really sinks in.”
Of course, Johnson is a prime example of what staying ready for one’s opportunity truly means. Over the duration of his pro career, he’s developed into a reliable 3 and D guy with impressive physicality on the defensive end. Thus, his recent time in the NBA was earned. “The best day of my coaching career, especially this past season, was getting that call and hearing that [Omari] got called up,” Coach Cyprien added.
Johnson’s prowess has intrigued the world champs enough to get a worthwhile look as teams gear up for competition in Las Vegas.