MEMPHIS, January 23, 2013 – The Memphis Grizzlies signed free agent guard/forward Chris Johnson of the NBA Development League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 10-day contract, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced.
Johnson (6-6, 201) joins the Grizzlies after averaging 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.81 steals on .439 shooting (.419 3FG shooting) in 29.0 minutes in 21 games (nine starts) for Rio Grande Valley this season.
The 22-year-old ranks fourth in the D-League in three-pointers made (54) and is tied for sixth in steals (38). Among qualifying D-League players, he places sixth in three-point field goal percentage, 12th in steals per game and tied for fourth in steal-to-turnover ratio (1.58).
Johnson enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at Dayton University (2008-12), where he averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in a school-record 138 games. The Orlando native helped guide the Flyers to the 2010 NIT Championship and captured tournament MVP honors.
After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, Johnson played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Orlando Magic during the preseason.
The Grizzlies’ roster now stands at 12 players. An updated roster is attached.