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Grizzlies Sign French Guard Mateo Poljak

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, April 1st 2026 at 0:18 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FRANCE, CANADA

Memphis, TN - April 1st, 2026 - The Memphis Grizzlies have announced the signing of 22-year-old guard Mateo Poljak, a rising talent from France, in a move aimed at strengthening the team's depth and future potential in the backcourt. The announcement, made earlier today, confirms weeks of scouting and quietly held negotiations, culminating in a contract that will see Poljak compete for a roster spot during the upcoming training camp.

Poljak joins the Grizzlies after a promising season with JL Bourg in the French LNB Pro A league. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 190 pounds, Poljak possesses a physical profile highly sought after by NBA teams, particularly for a guard. His size allows him to potentially guard multiple positions, a valuable asset in today's increasingly positionless NBA.

While details of the contract haven't been publicly disclosed, sources indicate it's a non-guaranteed deal, allowing the Grizzlies flexibility in managing their salary cap. This approach is common for teams looking to evaluate international prospects and provides a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. The Grizzlies have been actively seeking to add guard depth since the end of last season, following [ the departure of veteran Danny Green in February of 2025 ], and Poljak represents a calculated gamble on a player with untapped potential.

Scouting Report: What Poljak Brings to Memphis

Initial scouting reports on Poljak highlight his combination of size, athleticism, and a developing offensive skillset. He's described as a quick and decisive ball-handler with a knack for penetrating defenses. Last season with JL Bourg, Poljak averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, showcasing a well-rounded contribution. His three-point shooting percentage, a critical area for NBA success, hovered around 36%, a figure the Grizzlies' coaching staff believes can be improved with focused development.

"We've been watching Mateo for quite some time," said Grizzlies General Manager, Jonathan Waters, in a press conference following the announcement. "His athleticism and court vision are impressive for a player of his age. He's a quick learner and we believe he has the potential to become a valuable contributor to our team. Of course, the NBA is a different game, but we're confident he'll embrace the challenge and compete for a spot."

Grizzlies' Guard Rotation: Where Does Poljak Fit?

The Grizzlies currently have a core group of guards consisting of Desmond Bane, Ja Morant (returning from a season-long suspension), and Luke Kennard. Poljak will be competing with established veterans and other hopefuls for playing time. Given Morant's pending return, the competition will be fierce. However, Poljak's size and defensive potential could differentiate him, potentially earning him minutes as a backup to Bane or Kennard. The Grizzlies are also reportedly exploring options in the upcoming draft, but Poljak provides an immediate addition to training camp with NBA experience - albeit in a different league.

International Pipeline and the Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have demonstrated a willingness to scout and develop international talent in recent years, with successes like Santi Aldama proving the value of this approach. Poljak represents a continuation of that strategy. The NBA is increasingly global, and teams are recognizing the wealth of talent available outside of the traditional American college system. Poljak's arrival is a testament to the growing international scouting networks and the Grizzlies' commitment to identifying undervalued players.

Poljak is expected to arrive in Memphis next week to begin preparations for training camp. He'll undoubtedly face a steep learning curve adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA, but the Grizzlies are optimistic that his potential will shine through. The signing of Mateo Poljak marks an exciting addition to the Memphis Grizzlies, signaling a continued commitment to building a competitive and versatile roster for years to come. Fans will be eagerly watching his progress during training camp and preseason games to see if he can earn a coveted spot on the team.