Yuta Watanabe's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe appears to be on his way out of the NBA. According to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews, the Japanese forward will move back to his homeland and is close to joining the Chiba Jets. Watanabe started the 2023-24 campaign with the Phoenix Suns before getting traded to Memphis in February. He made 34 appearances this season, averaging 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 13.6 minutes. Watanabe has career averages of 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 213 games. The 29-year-old has struggled to make an impact in the Association and will decline a $2.6 million player option to move back to Japan.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe (personal) will remain out of the lineup on Saturday against Orlando. He's been absent for personal reasons for quite a while and will miss a 14th consecutive game. Watanabe's absence hasn't had a big impact on Memphis, as the Japanese forward has averaged fewer than 14 minutes per game in 2023-24. His next chance to return comes on Monday in a matchup against the Pistons.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe (wrist) will remain out on Friday versus Atlanta, missing a fourth consecutive game. He continues to nurse a sprained right wrist. Wataname's absence has opened up extra minutes for Jake LaRavia and Lamar Stevens off the bench. The former has had a couple of outstanding games lately and will carry quite a bit of momentum into Friday's encounter with one of the league's worst defenses. Steven's numbers have stayed average, but he could get a lift on Friday with the absence of GG Jackson II (knee), who's listed as questionable for the game.