The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz ink Erik McCree to two-way deal, waive to Eric Griffin

By Zachary Padmore

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Erik McCree #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Erik McCree #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a strong summer league and training camp followed by two months with the Utah Jazz as a two-way player, Eric Griffin is moving on.

The Utah Jazz made a roster move this afternoon, signing former Louisiana Tech standout Erik McCree to a two-way contract. Meanwhile, the team waived forward Eric Griffin to clear a spot for McCree.

For those who are not familiar with McCree, he played three years of college basketball at Louisiana Tech, averaging 17.7 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game in his final season with the Bulldogs.

He worked out for the Jazz prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, however, he was not selected by any team. McCree played with the Houston Rockets during Summer League, and eventually hooked on with the Miami Heat for training camp.

McCree was waived before the season began, and has been playing for Miami’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Through 13 games with the Skyforce, McCree is averaging 16.2 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game.

He is only 24 years old, and will now join Utah’s G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. He will join Utah’s fellow two-way player, Nate Wolters. This will be a good opportunity for him to develop with the Stars.

In order to sign McCree, the Jazz needed to waive someone. Griffin, who was the team’s first ever two-way contract, was that victim. He has played very well in the G-League this year, but hasn’t been with the big club at all this season.

Griffin is 27 years old, and a big-time athlete. He is averaging 17.3 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game in the G-League this season. He was a standout during the Summer League, where he wowed the audience with his explosive athleticism.

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This may not be a major move by the Jazz, but they are committed to developing players. The G-League and two-way contracts are a great way to develop younger players. McCree has an appealing skill set, and should see a lot of burn with the Salt Lake City Stars.

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