Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s “bully ball” style of play has been the biggest story in the NBA Summer League.
Fans across the country have been wowed by Lofton’s throwback method since his professional debut last July. When the Port Arthur native took the mic at the Memphis Grizzlies media day, one question was on everyone’s mind.
“Your game is a big boy game,” said an NBA reporter in the room. “Can you tell us a bit about how you developed this?”
Lofton has no problem explaining the origins of his unique game. The story begins in Port Arthur, of course, where Lofton was a 6-foot-2 guard during his junior years at Memorial High School.
He had good footwork, but he was still maturing in his body as an underclass. However, Lofton was 6-foot-6 in his senior year, creating more scoring opportunities at the position.
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When Lofton arrived at Louisiana Tech, head coach Eric Konkol needed a power forward. Lofton only really played a full season as a power forward in high school, but adapted to the mold to fill that role at Louisiana Tech.
“I knew some post moves, so I started doing them,” Lofton recalled with a big smile. “I just adapted to the game, put everything I knew in a bag and used it.”
Lofton wasn’t just growing taller. He was also gaining weight, rarely missing a meal and adding muscle mass with a strict training regimen at Louisiana Tech.
As a sophomore with the Bulldogs, he came in at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds. Lofton said some wondered if he could keep up with college and pro basketball at that weight, but he shrugged off those doubters.
Lofton averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds that season at Louisiana Tech. He was not drafted, but signed with Memphis as a free agent. Lofton then used the Summer League as a release party.
He hit double digits in four of his six Summer League games with the Grizzlies, including a 19-point performance against the Thunder while facing No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren.
“I didn’t really focus on what other people had to say,” Lofton said. “Once I got in the field, I was going to give you the deal anyway.”
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As the Grizzlies open training camp this week, Lofton wants to prove his worth even more. He has a two-way deal with Memphis, but there’s reason to believe Lofton could be a factor in the Grizzlies’ rotation at the start of this season.
Memphis starting forward Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely miss at least the first month of the season, giving Lofton an opportunity to play.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said it will be open competition for time up front, and Lofton hopes he’s in the game.
“I just have to find a way to fit into my role and get minutes,” Lofton said. “Stay ready, because it may be your time at any time.”
Twitter.com/mattGfaye
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