Ex-Grizzlies fan favorite signs with Chinese team
Oct 12, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. (6) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
A former Memphis Grizzlies fan favorite is making the overseas jump from the NBA to the Chinese Basketball Association, at least for the time being.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. has signed a deal with the CBA’s Shanghai Sharks, according to a report from GTV Hoops.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. has signed a deal with the Shanghai Sharks in China's CBA, per @gtvhoops.
The 22-year-old recently completed a preseason stint with the Chicago Bulls. Now, he takes the next step in his career by heading overseas.#NBA #NBAGLeague pic.twitter.com/iDFG5XTTHR
— Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU) October 23, 2024
Lofton signed with the Chicago Bulls over the summer, but he did not make the roster out of training camp. He previously spent brief stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies.
The 21-year-old Lofton made a name for himself after he signed with the Grizzlies as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Lofton brought creative low-post scoring and formidable rebounding, drawing comparisons to retired ex-Memphis great Zach Randolph. However, there were concerns about Lofton’s weight during the 2023-24 season, and the Grizzlies eventually moved on from the former Louisiana Tech star.
Lofton is still young enough where he can work his way back into the NBA, but he will likely need to prove he can stay in shape and make significant contributions with the Sharks first.