How Memphis Grizzlies' Kennedy Chandler is learning patience from Ja Morant, Tyus Jones

Kennedy Chandler expected to play maybe 10 minutes Monday night against the Miami Heat. Even with the Memphis Grizzlies down four starters, the rookie guard was surprised he played 26 minutes.

However, Chandler wasn’t surprised about his most memorable play in the Grizzlies’ 101-93 win over the Heat at FedExForum. As All-Star Jimmy Butler of the Heat drove to the basket in the fourth quarter, Chandler grabbed at the ball to rip it loose.

The Memphis native then dove on the floor with Butler to get the ball and it led to a tie-up forcing a jump ball. The rip was recorded as a block as Chandler didn’t back down against one of the NBA’s toughest competitors.

“I’m just a dog honestly. I get that from Memphis,” said Chandler. “Just bringing that mentality on the court, trying to get the loose ball from Jimmy Butler. Doing stuff like that, coach loves. He told me after the game ‘Way to dive on the floor’ and it’s the little things that get the team going.”

With Ja Morant out because of injury, Chandler’s ninth NBA game was his best a pro with nine points, five assists and two steals. He also had a team-best plus-minus of +18 while on the court.

Moments like that have been rare for Chandler so far. He’s sat more games than he’s appeared in and it’s been an adjustment as a former five-star recruit at Briarcrest High School who started every game in his lone season at Tennessee.

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“It’s hard. It’s the first time I’ve ever dealt with this. My whole entire life I’ve played 30 minutes (a game),” Chandler said. “This is a business, it’s a growing up moment for me to just keep my mind right.”

For Chandler, it means asking questions. Morant’s been a mentor for a few years and Tyus Jones has taught him how to make an impact without scoring to best lead the second unit.

Both have shown him what it takes to be an NBA point guard and how to use his speed to his advantage. Against the Heat, Chandler scored seven of his nine points in the second quarter. He added a steal in the third that led to Xavier Tillman Sr. scoring on a fastbreak.

Jones said it was good for Chandler’s growth to see success so he could understand that the work is paying off as he stays patient.

“He’s just hungry. He wants it. He wants to continue to learn, get better,” Jones said. “He’s around paying attention to each and every thing that me and Ja do, it’s just good to see as a rookie.”

Games like Monday won't happen often with Morant healthy but it reminded Chandler what might lie ahead. While Jones had a career-high 28 points, Chandler also showed the best glimpses of his two-way potential.

As Butler learned, he also won’t back down from a challenge. Even if it means doing so in limited minutes going forward.

“It’s been a great learning experience,” Chandler said. “Learning from two guys, learning how Tyus plays those backup minutes. I did it for him.”

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies' Kennedy Chandler learning patience from Ja Morant, Tyus Jones