If you’re just casually glancing at a box score, you might miss what’s actually happening in Memphis. You’d see a guy scoring 7 or 8 points and move on. That would be a mistake. To understand why the Memphis Grizzlies gave a second-round pick a multi-million dollar contract extension in the middle of a season, you have to look past the surface. Vince Williams Jr. stats don’t just tell a story of scoring; they tell a story of a "Swiss Army Knife" who might be one of the best value-for-money players in the entire NBA right now.
He's a dog. Honestly, that’s the best way to describe him. Whether he’s hounding a primary ball-handler or suddenly racking up double-digit assists because Ja Morant is on the shelf, Vince just fills gaps.
The 2023-24 Breakout: When the World Noticed
Last year was basically the "Vince Williams Jr. Show" out of necessity. With the Grizzlies' roster looking more like a hospital wing than a basketball team, Williams was thrust into a primary role. He didn’t just survive; he thrived.
He averaged 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 52 games. Those aren't "empty calories" stats on a bad team, either. He was shooting 37.8% from deep and playing elite-level defense. In fact, advanced metrics from 3StepsBasket ranked his defensive impact better than 90% of the league. That’s wild for a guy who was playing on a Two-Way contract just months prior.
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Then came the contract. In January 2024, Memphis locked him down with a three-year, $7.9 million deal. It was the most guaranteed money ever given to a player coming off a Two-Way spot at the time. Zach Kleiman and the front office saw the vision. They saw a 6'4" wing with a 6'11" wingspan who could guard three positions and pass like a point guard.
The Current 2025-26 Campaign: Versatility Over Volume
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. Things look a bit different. The rotation is deeper, and Vince has been battling some nagging left knee patellar tendinitis.
As of mid-January 2026, he’s averaging around 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a career-high 4.9 assists.
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The shooting percentages have dipped a bit—he’s hovering around 35% from the floor and 30% from three—but his playmaking has exploded. Seriously, did anyone expect him to become a primary initiator? Just a few weeks ago in November 2025, he dropped a staggering 15 assists in a win over the Kings. He followed that up with several games in the 9-to-10 assist range while Morant was out with a calf injury.
A Quick Look at the Numbers (2025-26 Season)
- Points per game: 7.8
- Assists per game: 4.9 (Career high)
- Rebounds per game: 4.3
- Free Throw %: 81.8%
- Minutes per game: 21.9
It’s easy to get hung up on the 35% shooting. You shouldn't. His value is tied to the fact that when he's on the floor, the Grizzlies are better. His "On-Off" splits have consistently shown a positive impact, often hovering around a +3.5 point differential. He does the "stuff" coaches love: deflections, box-outs, and making the extra pass.
The "Point Vince" Evolution
The most surprising part of the Vince Williams Jr. stats profile lately is the assist-to-turnover ratio. For a guy who isn't a "natural" point guard, he’s incredibly steady. In a recent five-game stretch, he averaged 10.8 assists against just 2.8 turnovers. That’s a 3.86 ratio. For context, some of the best floor generals in the league live in that 3.0 to 4.0 range.
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He’s basically become the Grizzlies' safety net. If Ja is out, Vince starts at the point. If Marcus Smart needs a breather, Vince slides to the wing to lock up the opponent's best scorer. He’s the ultimate "glue guy."
What’s Next for Vince?
Right now, the priority is the knee. He missed nine out of ten games recently before returning against the Spurs and Thunder. He looked sharp in those returns, hitting 4-of-6 from deep against San Antonio. That's the version of Vince Memphis needs for a deep playoff run—the guy who hits open threes and ruins the opposing point guard's night.
If you’re a fantasy manager or just a die-hard Grizz fan, don't let the low scoring totals fool you. He’s a category stuffer. He’s going to get you 5 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, and a block while playing 22 minutes of winning basketball.
Actionable Insights for Following Vince Williams Jr.:
- Watch the Injury Report: His left knee (patellar tendinitis) is the main thing holding back his minutes right now.
- Monitor the Assist Rate: As long as Ja Morant or Marcus Smart are in and out of the lineup, Williams will continue to see high usage as a playmaker.
- Check the 3P%: His value sky-rockets when he’s hitting above 35% from deep, which opens up the lane for his driving and kicking.
Williams is under contract through the 2026-27 season (with a team option for that final year). At roughly $2.3 million this season, he remains one of the most cost-effective defensive stoppers in the Western Conference.