T.J. Shorts, a 27-year-old point guard, is currently a free agent after an outstanding stint with Paris Basketball in France. He earned MVP honors in both the LNB Elite, France’s top domestic league, and the EuroCup during the 2023/24 season. This season, he was also named to the All-EuroLeague First Team after leading Paris Basketball to a promotion and playoff appearance.
In 33 EuroLeague games, Shorts posted impressive averages of 18.7 points and 7.5 assists per game, leading the league in assists. He shot efficiently with 49.9% from the field, 41.5% from three-point range, and 73.2% from the free-throw line. Despite his relatively small stature, Shorts has proven to be a dynamic and highly productive playmaker in Europe.
The Memphis Grizzlies have shown strong interest in signing Shorts, largely due to his established relationship with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, under whom Shorts has played successfully in both Germany and France. This connection is seen as a key factor that could ease Shorts’ transition to the NBA. Reports suggest he is likely to join the Grizzlies directly without participating in the Summer League, even though he has received lucrative offers to remain in the EuroLeague.
If signed, Shorts could become a vital part of Memphis’s backcourt, adding depth and competition at the point guard position while fitting the team’s strategy to incorporate more dynamic small guards[3]. His proven European success and rapport with Iisalo position him as a promising NBA addition.
