Former Duke basketball star gets another chance in NBA

There are now 29 former Duke basketball players on an NBA preseason roster.

Matt Giles | Oct 10, 2022

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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Matthew Hurt has never played in an NBA game. And chances are the former two-year Duke basketball talent won't be on a roster when the 2022-23 regular season gets underway next week.

But Hurt, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound stretch-four who went undrafted in 2021 despite earning All-ACC First Team honors in his final year with the Blue Devils, has signed a contract with Memphis Grizzlies, the franchise reported in a press release on Monday.

The Grizzlies also signed Sean McDermott after waiving Jacob Gilyard and Justin Bean. According to Hoops Rumors' Luke Adams, the additions of Hurt and McDermott are likely via Exhibit 10 deals, meaning they are probably there merely to fill out the 20-man preseason roster for Memphis' two remaining preseason games.

That said, the move might translate into Matthew Hurt getting another chance to shine in the G League and possibly snag a spot on the Grizzlies' roster later in the season.

Memphis' next preseason outing is on the road against the Orlando Magic at 7:00 p.m. ET Tuesday.

Last season, Hurt was in line for a potential 10-way contract with the Grizzlies after averaging 12.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks across eight games for their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. However, his campaign ended in December with a torn meniscus in his knee, which he underwent surgery to repair in January.

As a Duke basketball sophomore, Matthew Hurt averaged 18.3 points per game while shooting 44.4 percent from downtown.

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Published Oct 10, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.