Josh Christopher ready to embrace new chapter in Memphis

Josh Christopher is looking forward to a fresh start at the Memphis Grizzlies, but the shift he made from the Houston Rockets took him time to process.

“I tend to try not to move with emotion dealing with basketball,” Christopher told David Yapkowitz of ClutchPoints. “I had a real good connection with the team, it was more so for opportunity. I’m just excited for whatever is next.”

Christopher was picked by the Rockets for the 24th pick of the 2021 Draft. From there, he was able to reunite with his good friend Jalen Green who was then chosen as the No. 2 overall selection.

In his rookie year, the 21-year-old churned a productive 7.9 points, 2.5 boards and 2.0 assists for 74 games. But these numbers suddenly dropped last season as he settled for just 5.8 markers, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 dimes in 64 games of play.

Landing in a competitive Memphis team offers a new, refreshing insight for Christopher considering that he experienced nothing but mediocrity being around Houston as a member of the young, developing group. As such, he believes that he is well-equipped to provide what the Grizzlies need from him.

“I can bring everything, I’m a two-way player,” Christopher said. “I’ve been working on my jump shot obviously, so being able to spot up, and then play defense as well. At the same time I use my creative abilities to play ball and really just affect the game and affect winning.”

With Ja Morant set to be suspended for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season, Christopher can only assume an early increased task from coach Taylor Jenkins.

Playing as a two-guard, he is slated to perform as a third-string ball handler behind Morant and Marcus Smart. For him, this is just another challenge to complete as he eyes to stick around the league with his third year in the associates just a few months away.

“I just want to establish myself,” Christopher said. “They always say your third year is a very pivotal year which it is for me now too. So just to be able to establish myself and really find a home.”