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Kennedy Chandler Signs with Houston Rockets Summer League Squad, Eyes NBA Comeback

Former Tennessee star Kennedy Chandler will play for the Houston Rockets in the 2024 NBA Summer League. The ex-Grizzlies guard looks to reignite his career after being drafted in 2022 by the Spurs and playing 36 games as a rookie.
Josh Greer|
Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler (1) passes the ball off to the teammate during the NCAA Tournament second round game between Tennessee and Michigan at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Kns Ncaa Vols Michigan Bp
Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler (1) passes the ball off to the teammate during the NCAA Tournament second round game between Tennessee and Michigan at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Kns Ncaa Vols Michigan Bp | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Tennessee Volunteers

Former Tennessee Vol and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Kennedy Chandler is getting another opportunity to prove himself at the next level.

The 2022 second-round pick has officially signed to play with the Houston Rockets' Summer League team, where he’ll compete in a minimum of four games from July 11–17, with the potential for additional games following that stretch. For Chandler, it’s a critical window to showcase his growth, consistency, and leadership as he aims for another shot at a full-time NBA roster spot.

Chandler, now 21, was drafted No. 38 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft before being quickly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in 36 games as a rookie during the 2022–23 season. Despite flashes of promise, including strong defensive instincts and a knack for getting downhill, Chandler was waived by Memphis in April 2023.

Since then, he’s bounced through Summer League opportunities, most recently suiting up for the Brooklyn Nets in 2023. Now, he’ll wear a Houston Rockets jersey, hoping to show scouts and executives that his combination of speed, court vision, and on-ball defense still belongs at the NBA level.

A Memphis native and standout player at Tennessee, Chandler made an immediate impact in college, leading the Vols to an SEC Tournament title while averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game. His elite quickness and poise at the point made him one of the most intriguing guards in the 2022 draft class.

For Chandler, this Summer League stint with Houston isn’t just another stop, it’s a pivotal audition. The Rockets have a deep pool of young talent, but Chandler’s experience and skillset could provide value, especially as teams look for steady backup guard options heading into training camp.

With the Summer League tipping off this week, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, and for Kennedy Chandler, it’s another chance to reignite the spark that once made him one of the SEC’s most electric floor generals.

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Josh Greer
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