Here is the thing about free agent veteran point guards: they usually are not standing in the unemployment line for very long.
Do not be surprised if you see a couple familiar names land on some NBA rosters over the next couple of weeks, including Mike Bibby.
According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, the Memphis Grizzlies are planning a workout in Phoenix with Bibby to entertain the thought of signing the 34-year old point guard to a deal that would be a homecoming of sorts for Bibby who was originally drafted (second overall in 1998) by the Grizzlies during their Vancouver era.
Bibby spent last season with the New York Knicks and averaged 2.6 points, 2.1 assists and 14.3 minutes per game in 39 games, yet he still holds career averages of 14.7 points and 5.5 assists per game over his 14-year career with the Grizz, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and Knicks.
Essentially, Bibby would add veteran depth to a roster that already boasts Mike Conley and Jerryd Bayless at the point for a Memphis team that is 14-4 on the season and the third best record in the Western Conference. But the Grizzlies are not alone in the running for Bibby.
As Amick reports, “four or five” teams are working out Bibby but apparently the point guard-needy Los Angeles Lakers are not one of them.
I'm getting ready for any call," Bibby told HoopsHype in an interview last week.
"It's reassuring that Derek Fisher got that call. People are still getting calls right now. It can happen somewhere down the line, I'm not worried about that. I'm just keeping myself ready when that call comes.
Bibby’s agent David Falk believes his client will find work back in the league before mid-January to a team bound for the playoffs where Bibby’s shooting and leadership can be an asset.
Will Memphis be that right fit? Or will another postseason poised team ink Bibby instead?
One thing is for sure, Bibby likely won't be out of work much longer.
