A familiar face checked into the game when the Memphis Grizzlies took on the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night at Ball Arena.
I nearly did a double-take when the player approached the scorer’s table to check in, recognizing a familiar face.
That player in question was former Colorado center Lawson Lovering, who played two seasons in Boulder (2021-2023) before transferring to Utah.
The seven-footer made his NBA debut at the 3:17 mark of the first quarter, replacing Oliver-Maxence Prosper.
Lovering posted 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in 18 minutes during Memphis’ 122-116 loss to Denver.
He secured his first NBA points on a layup attempt, tying the game 100-100.
Imagine making your NBA debut and lining up right across from three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Lovering earned a 10-day contract with the Grizzlies after averaging 8.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game with the G-League affiliate Memphis Hustle.
The Grizzlies made major moves at the NBA trade deadline, dealing Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, Vince Williams Jr., and John Konchar.
Tad Boyle’s staff viewed Lovering as a developmental project and immediate defensive cornerstone.
During his sophomore campaign, he topped Colorado with 33 blocks and placed fourth in rebounding at 4.7 per game, averaging just 4.9 points.
In his Utah senior season, he started all 28 games with career highs across the board: 23.7 minutes, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 8.4 points.