Jahmai Mashack Turning “Mr. Irrelevant” into Motivation with Impressive Summer League Showing
Michael Allen 
Jahmai Mashack celebrates with his teammates after hitting the game winner against Alabama
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Former Tennessee Vol Jahmai Mashack is making waves in the NBA Summer League, proving the Memphis Grizzlies were wise to draft him with the final pick.
Jahmai Mashack Turning “Mr. Irrelevant” into Motivation with Impressive Summer League Showing
When the Memphis Grizzlies used the final pick of the 2025 NBA Draft to select former Tennessee standout Jahmai Mashack, the headlines focused less on his potential and more on his unfortunate title: “Mr. Irrelevant.” It’s a label traditionally associated with long odds and forgotten names, but through the early stages of his professional career, Mashack is doing everything he can to prove that his relevance in the NBA is just beginning.
Through five games in the NBA Summer League, Mashack has become one of the most intriguing storylines for the Grizzlies. Averaging 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 2.2 turnovers in just 24 minutes per game, he’s providing Memphis with a glimpse of the all-around versatility, defensive prowess, and relentless motor that defined his time in Knoxville.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
While some late-round picks might view Summer League as merely an audition, Mashack is treating every minute like a playoff game. His energy jumps off the screen — diving for loose balls, fighting through screens, pestering opposing ball-handlers, and making hustle plays that most rookies don’t think twice about.
Those intangibles are exactly what helped Mashack thrive at Tennessee under Rick Barnes, a coach known for building his teams on defense, toughness, and effort. Mashack never lit up the scoring column in college, but his impact on the game was undeniable. Whether guarding the opponent’s best scorer, facilitating offense as a secondary ball-handler, or crashing the glass from the guard spot, he became a glue guy for the Vols — and now, he’s carving out a similar identity with Memphis.
Defensive Versatility Standing Out
One of the biggest reasons Mashack is drawing attention in Summer League is his defensive versatility. In today’s NBA, where switchability and defensive flexibility are paramount, Mashack has shown he can hold his own against guards, wings, and even undersized bigs. His lateral quickness, length, and instincts make him a disruptive force on the perimeter, while his willingness to scrap in the paint shows his toughness.
The Grizzlies — an organization that prides itself on gritty, hard-nosed basketball — appear to have found a player who fits their identity perfectly. It’s no coincidence that a franchise built around players like Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. would be intrigued by what Mashack brings to the table.
Offense a Work in Progress, but Showing Growth
Offensively, Mashack isn’t going to be a go-to scorer anytime soon, but his Summer League numbers suggest growth in key areas. He’s averaging over 4 assists per game, showcasing improved vision and decision-making as a secondary playmaker. His ability to push the ball in transition, find open shooters, and make the extra pass has made the Memphis offense more fluid during his minutes on the floor.
His 9 points per game aren’t flashy, but they come in the flow of the offense — cutting to the basket, attacking closeouts, and finishing through contact. While his perimeter shooting remains a work in progress, Mashack’s confidence is growing, and his mechanics have looked more consistent this summer compared to his college days.
Fighting for His NBA Future
Whether Mashack’s efforts will ultimately earn him a spot on the Grizzlies’ 15-man roster or a two-way contract remains to be seen. Memphis, like most teams, faces roster crunches and tough decisions come training camp. However, Mashack’s case for sticking around isn’t rooted in flashy scoring numbers or highlight-reel plays. It’s about effort, attitude, and the belief that he’ll do whatever is asked of him to help the team win.
In interviews, coaches and teammates have praised Mashack’s work ethic and professional approach — traits that bode well for a player trying to carve out a role in a league where roster spots are hard-earned, not given. Even if Mashack begins the year in the G League, his trajectory suggests it won’t be long before he’s contributing meaningful minutes in the NBA.
Motivation Fueled by Doubt
For Mashack, the title of “Mr. Irrelevant” has served as fuel, not discouragement. He’s embraced the challenge of proving doubters wrong, using his underdog status as motivation to outwork, outhustle, and outcompete everyone ahead of him on the depth chart.
“I’ve always been someone who’s had to fight for everything I’ve gotten,” Mashack said after a recent Summer League performance. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity, and I’m going to make sure people remember my name for something other than being the last pick.”
The Road Ahead
With a few more games to go in the Summer League, Mashack’s focus remains simple: keep improving, keep competing, and keep proving he belongs. Whether it’s in Memphis or elsewhere, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Jahmai Mashack won’t let his NBA journey end with a label — he’s determined to build a career defined by grit, growth, and hard-earned respect.
For a player once considered irrelevant, Jahmai Mashack is making himself very relevant — and he’s just getting started.
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