Braxton Key sets sights on new beginnings with Memphis Grizzlies
The NBA landscape is ever-changing, and sometimes that means saying goodbye. For Braxton Key, the recent flurry of activity from the Golden State Warriors marks the end of his brief tenure with the team. As the Warriors bolster their roster by bringing in notable names like Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, it’s clear that the organization is focused on a championship run.
Key, a 6-foot-8 forward, earned a two-way contract with the Warriors last March. His impressive performance during that initial stint allowed him to transition into a standard contract by mid-April. Despite being part of a G-League championship-winning team with the Delaware Blue Coats and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors with the Memphis Hustle, Key’s impact in the NBA was limited.
A challenging season with the Warriors
During his time with Golden State, Key’s contributions were minimal. He averaged just one point and 0.7 rebounds across three regular-season games, spending an average of 3.7 minutes on the court. The postseason proved to be no different, as he managed only 0.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in five playoff contests.
Recognizing that the Warriors were moving in a different direction, Key signed a training camp deal with the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday. This new opportunity presents a fresh start for the 28-year-old, who is eager to carve out a role in the league.
The road ahead for Key
As Key joins the Grizzlies, the prospects are promising. If he can find his place and showcase his skills effectively, he stands a better chance of solidifying his position within the NBA. The former Virginia standout, already recognized as a member of the 2022 G-League All-Defensive Team, has the potential to make an impact if given the chance.
The NBA is often a game of opportunities, and Braxton Key is poised to make the most of his new chapter in Memphis.