By Malcolm Butler
Former Louisiana Tech hoops star Kenneth Lofton, Jr, signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday heading into the start of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
And he celebrated in style.
Lofton, who was named the G-League Rookie of the Year after averaging 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 55 percent from the field for the Memphis Hustle, signed a four-year contract with the Grizzlies worth $7 million.
He celebrated on Easter Sunday in the final day of the NBA regular season by scoring 42 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 115-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Memphis resting many of its players in preparation for the start of the playoffs, Lofton got the start and hit 17-of-25 field goals and 8-of-12 free throws in 40 minutes of action while also pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds (6 on the offensive glass).
The 42-points were a franchise record for a Grizzlies rookie and were the most by any rookie in the NBA this season
Lofton recorded 20 20-point games, including five 30-point efforts, during the G-League season while ranking 12th in double doubles with 17. He was one of 26 players in the G-League this season to net a triple double.
The Grizzlies enter the NBA Playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the West Division. Memphis will play the winner of a play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
