The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly set to pursue former NBA player Norris Cole after starting point guard Mike Conley was ruled out for six to eight weeks due to a back injury.
Cole, who turned 28 last month, was a two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013 as a backup point guard. He last played in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, averaging career-highs of 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per game as a part-time starter.
The former Cleveland State standout is currently suited up overseas for the Shandong Golden Starters after he was signed by the Chinese Basketball Association club on Oct. 5. He has an NBA opt-out clause in his contract, which will allow him to leave China and return to the NBA anytime.
Memphis is "looking for backcourt help" after top playmaker Conley fractured some vertebrae in his back in a third-quarter collision during the Grizzlies' 104-85 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, as per Basketball Insiders.
The Grizzlies signed Conley to an NBA-record five-year, $153 million extension deal during the summer and his latest injury is said to be "devastating" for the club. The team had a fast start under new coach David Fizdale and is currently fifth in the West with an 11-7 record.
Cole had played under Fizdale before when the latter was still an assistant in Miami and the two are reportedly in good terms with each other. They worked together for three-and-a-half seasons, including the Heat's back-to-back championship runs, before Cole was traded to the Pelicans in February 2015.
With Conley out, Fizdale is left with untested sophomore Andrew Harrison and rookie Wade Baldwin IV as his options at the point guard spot.
NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk indicated that in addition to Cole, the Grizzlies are also looking at the possibility of signing free agents Kendall Marshall, Toney Douglas, and Will Bynum. The team will reportedly hold tryouts for a potential roster spot.
There are also rumors that another former Fizdale player, Mario Chalmers, is being considered by the Grizzlies, although he will not be subjected for a tryout anymore. Chalmers is coming off an Achilles injury and has yet to be cleared to return to action.
