The most successful franchises aren't just built on superstar talent; they're constructed through savvy, low-risk maneuvers on the margins of the roster. That is why EVP/GM Zach Kleiman has been both shooting for the moon and scraping the bottom of the barrel in search of overlooked value. Getting a home run haul for Desmond Bane is still the franchise's headlining offseason move, sure. However, the new-look Grind City Memphis Grizzlies made a calculated, low-risk investment by signing Olivier-Maxence Prosper to a two-way contract right after Labor Day.
At its core, this signing is a bet on tangible, physical potential. Prosper isn't an unknown project; he's a player whose toolkit is perfectly tailored for the modern NBA. He possesses the foundational attributes to become an elite defender: a strong frame, exceptionally quick feet, elite reaction times, and a towering wingspan that stretches beyond seven feet. This combination allows Prosper to theoretically guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly on screens, and disrupt passing lanes.
Prosper's athletic profile addresses a direct need on the main roster. While the Grizzlies have collected talented wing defenders, few possess Prosper's unique combination of size and physical presence. His rugged style of play and imposing frame give him a different defensive identity than the team's other perimeter options, providing versatility in matchups and schemes.
Tuomas Iisalo and Kleiman can evaluate Prosper's fit without long-term financial obligations or roster guarantees. If O-Max underperforms, the Grizzlies can move on with minimal fallout; if Prosper thrives, the franchise has unearthed a contributor at a bargain. This approach lets the Grizzlies experiment with high-upside players like Prosper without derailing their competitive timeline.
Grizzlies got a deal
Essentially, the Grizzlies now have a defensive Swiss Army knife that every contender covets for less than the veteran minimum. However, what makes this move a calculated gamble rather than a mere flier is the emerging offensive upside. The “3” in the coveted “3-and-D” archetype has often been the biggest question mark for Prosper. Yet, his performance last season in the G-League began to silence those doubts.
By knocking down three-pointers at a blistering 42% clip in the G-League last season (24 games), Prosper demonstrated a tangible, projectable offensive skill that translates directly to the NBA floor. O-max is not just a defender who might develop a shot; he's a defender who has already shown he can shoot effectively at a professional level. Finding the right opportunity and coaching staff to unlock that potential was more important than money, per Shams Charania. That is why the Grizzlies got the deal done.
Having a variety of defensive counters is not a luxury in the Western Conference; it is a necessity. The Grizzlies aren't asking Olivier-Maxence Prosper to be an early-season savior while others deal with injuries. Memphis is simply providing a platform for a player with all the tools to succeed. If O-Max continues to show off a reliable three-point shot and translates his defensive potential into production, the Grizzlies will have discovered a perfect rotational piece for a championship-caliber team.
If not, the cost was minimal and the Grizzlies can call up 2025 second-rounder Jahmai Manshack. In the NBA, that’s not a gamble but a genius bet.
