After instant success transforming Vince Williams Jr, GG Jackson II, Scotty Pippen Jr, and Jay Huff from two-way deals to productive compatible rotation players, Grizzlies’ GM Zach Klieman may have struck gold again. This past week the Memphis Grizzlies inked do-it-all guard Zyon Pullin to a two-way contract. The Florida Gator graduate transfer previously was a member of the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft.
Grizzlies Convert Combo Guard Zyon Pullin to Two-Way Deal
Pullin is a high-motor guard who constantly puts pressure on defenses. His key strength is his live dribble penetration into the teeth of coverages. Pullin averaged 15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 44.4 FG%/44.9 3P%/84.7 FT% shooting splits in 33 games in Gainesville. His steady high level of play earned him first-team All-SEC honors. The newest Grizzlies’ relentless rim aggression causes continuous defensive rotations and shifts. Outside Grizzlies’ stars Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies don’t possess that dynamic on-ball guard threat off the bench that keeps second units honest.
Pullin’s Archetype
Scotty Pippen Jr is a responsible floor general but he doesn’t take many risks nor even further possess the aggressive scoring prowess demeanor compared to Pullin. Although that specific void off the bench isn’t quite contemporary, Pippen Jr has been instrumental for a Grizzlies unit that leads the league in scoring. Wing Jaylen Wells has been such a seamless refreshing addition this season for Taylor Jenkins. The Rookie of the Year candidate has been phenomenal at stretching defenses with his lethal shooting stroke and finding effective spots on the floor. For most, Wells won’t force the issue unless called upon.
The Grizzlies are already well-equipped with plenty of guard play. It’s worth noting that Pullin’s creativity could be an added dimension that secondary units could benefit from. Zyon Pullin’s strengths as a paint toucher are particularly aligned with those of superstar Morant. Pullin also made his G League debut for the Memphis Hustle this week and hasn’t disappointed. The Pleasant Hill, California native is averaging 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists on 58.3 FG% through two games. Pullin led the Hustle to their first win of the season. The Memphis Hustle take on the Rip City Remix on Thursday at 8:00 PM.
Pullin’s Playmaking Skills
Pullin utilizes his 6’4 frame and downhill ability sufficiently to find teammates. It should be noted Pullin has never averaged less than 4.2 assists in his collegiate career outside his freshman year at UC Riverside. His live dribble drive-kick is such a dominant component of his offensive game because of his ability to find teammates with both weak and strong pocket passes. Pullin ranked third in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio his senior year.
The combo guard’s relentless aggression wears down defenders possession to possession to a point you forget how willing of a passer he is. Pullin uses his assertiveness to his advantage as he’s progressed into a quality jump-shooter. He never hesitates to rise when defenders are on their heels anticipating a drive. You wouldn’t label Pullin a high-pedigree volume jump-shooter at first glance. But to be fair, he’s an effective one who has improved more and more in that department. Pullin’s 3PT% has increased each season of his collegiate career. He has an opportunity to build on what’s already been an encouraging start in Memphis. Especially with Kleiman’s long history of uncovering these diamonds in rough assets, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pullin found himself on the Grizzlies’ bench come springtime.
