WHY ISN’T KENNETH LOFTON JR PLAYING MORE MINUTES FOR THE GRIZZLIES?

After spending one year in college, young Kenneth Lofton Jr aspired to big dreams in the NBA. Unfortunately for him he would go undrafted, but that was maybe the right option for Kenneth.

Kenneth Lofton Jr came out of Louisiana Tech and made himself eligible for the 2022 NBA draft. After going undrafted the Memphis Grizzlies picked up the player on a one year rookie contract, the main reason why Lofton went undrafted was largely due to his weight to height ratio. At only 201 cm tall, Kenneth Lofton weighed approximately 125 kg, so there were serious questions regarding his health and his durability in the league. You might tell yourself that 125kg is not that much for a 2 meter tall person, and you'd be wrong as a person measured at 2 meters should weigh around 90-100 kg, in our case a basketball player has more muscle than an average man so we will lean more towards 100kg. But still, Lofton is 25 kg too heavy.

We have seen heavier players in the league with lots of success, players like Charles Barkley who listed at 114 kg before the NBA draft. Another more recent one would be Zion Williamson, who is currently listed at 129 kg and only 198 cm. The issue with Zion compared to Kenneth, is that Zion's weight consists mainly of muscle, which is stored throughout his whole body. Having such muscle features should weigh you down, but not Zion as he leaps in the air like it's nothing, even bending the floor board before leaping and right after landing. Scary stuff.

Regarding Kenneth he cannot leap in the air like Zion does, but he can use his weight and height to his advantage. Being shorter than most centers, Lofton has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to push a player away. Additionally, he has a very round body, which is great for pivoting and spinning, a great asset for box players. And that's what Kenneth Lofton does, he plays in the box. From rebounding to post scoring, Kenneth can be considered a superstar in the 90's.

During the preseason, Lofton had the opportunity to play against the Bucks, where he scored 17 points on 24 minutes of play.

Yes Morant was spotted saying “he’s a bucket!!” impressed by Lofton's capabilities.

But where has Lofton been all this time? Between the G League and being called up to the NBA for a couple minutes of play, Kenneth is finding it difficult to grow as he is not given much playing time. Having him on the court could be advantageous for his development, as well as team morale. In the G League, Lofton has found a home where he averages 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal per game in 7 games played.

Hopefully we will see more of the young center in the near future.