'It feels good:' Vince Williams Jr. gets his multi-year deal with Memphis Grizzlies

Vince Williams Jr. received a $2,000 flopping fine when he was on a two-way contract. When he got the fine, it was fair to wonder whether his teammates — with their much higher salaries — would foot the bill.

But the times are changing.

"It's cool. I got it now," Williams said.

Those are old problems. The second-year Memphis Grizzlies wing has played himself into the rotation and earned a three-year contract after shining with his defensive effort, rebounding and shooting. Memphis signed Williams on Wednesday after he spent his rookie year and 27 games this season on a two-way contract, a de facto bridge between the NBA and G-League.

"It feels good," Williams said. "Coaching staff and my teammates believe in me. I feel like I just worked my butt off for it, and it ended up being a good decision."

Williams is averaging 5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 27 games this season. Those numbers go up to 6.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in the eight starts he has made.

His opportunity is likely going to increase. Now that he's no longer on a two-way deal, the Grizzlies won't have to worry about the 50-game NBA limit that comes with it. Plus, injuries to Marcus Smart and Ja Morant have created a void for minutes at guard, and Williams has been one of the Grizzlies' most impactful players when he has been on the floor.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins spoke on Thursday about how Williams fits with the core players, and that may be the best way to view his future with the Grizzlies. His defensive and shooting ability will make him a key asset to play alongside the likes of Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. as someone who doesn't mind guarding the opponent's best scorers and taking pressure off teammates.

"A guy that we believe in for the future obviously with our core guys," Jenkins said. "He's an awesome fit with this group. Super excited for him. Getting him on board for a number of years. He's earned it."

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Memphis Grizzlies' Vince Williams Jr. earned multi-year NBA contract