Last week, Trilly Donovan reported on Twitter that “Memphis [is] trying to get [Tyrin Lawrence] on a visit after the combine.” Additionally, Hitmen Hoops responded to Trilly on Twitter, asserting that Memphis “has been trying hard to get [Tyrin Lawrence] set up with a visit for a few days now.” Hitmen Hoops added that it “would wait and see how [Tyrin Lawrence] performs at the 2023 NBA G League Elite Camp and see if he ends up getting an invite to the NBA Combine.” Spoiler Alert: Tyrin Lawrence did not receive an invite to the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. So what does this mean for Memphis’ pursuit of Vanderbilt transfer G Tyrin Lawrence?
Lawrence Performs Well But Doesn’t Receive an Invite
During this past weekend, Vanderbilt transfer G Tyrin Lawrence competed at the 2023 NBA G League Elite Camp with former Memphis G Kendric Davis. On Day 1 of the 2023 NBA G League Elite Camp, Lawrence looked excellent in the scrimmage. He finished with 11 points (4-5 FG), 5 rebounds and 2 assists. He is an excellent playmaker that shoots well from 3PT range, and he showed that on day 1 of the NBA G League Elite Camp.
What are Memphis’ Chances with Lawrence?
It’s not even a guarantee that Lawrence heads to college. At the moment, it’s a toss-up whether he returns to college or keeps his name in for the 2023 NBA Draft. Lawrence hoped to receive an invite to the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, but he was not one of the eight players chosen from the NBA G League Elite Camp. If he decides to return to college, Texas Tech and Auburn would be the main competition to Memphis for his services. Also, sources indicate that Vanderbilt met with Lawrence in Chicago prior to the NBA G League Elite Camp as a “final pitch” to him.
Because Lawrence did not receive an invite to the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, I do expect him to take some visits to colleges. As previously reported on Twitter, multiple reports indicated that Memphis was “trying to get him on a visit after the combine.” It will be interesting to see if Memphis succeeds in getting Lawrence on a visit. Sources indicate that the price on Tyrin Lawrence is high, as there may be a good chance he can compete for a 2-way contract in the NBA next season. It’s important to note that the NBA now equips teams with three 2-way contracts.
In short, Memphis has a chance, but the likelihood of the Tigers landing him depends upon whether Lawrence decides to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft, whether Memphis succeeds in scheduling a visit and if Memphis has the NIL available. If the money is there, it’ll be interesting to see if Memphis has the willingness to use that money on Lawrence especially since there is a glaring need for a big.
What Can Schools Expect From Lawrence?
Last year at Vanderbilt, Tyrin Lawrence shot 39.1% off of catch-and-shoot 3PT jumpers. He shot even better off of the guarded catch-and-shoot 3PT jumpers, shooting a superb 47.5%. Lawrence posted a 55.6% EFG% last season on a 21.9% usage rate.
Additionally, Lawrence is an excellent ball-handler, showing his explosiveness off of hard close-outs from the defense. Lawrence finished strong around the rim and showed multiple instances of him finishing through contact. He is crafty in the lane, often creating open looks for bigs sitting in the paint. He would almost certainly start for a Memphis team that lacks veteran experience at the guard position.
