New Grizzlies guard Richie Saunders’ great-grandfather was the inventor of Tater Tots

The Memphis Grizzlies continued to build their future roster by selecting BYU guard Richie Saunders with the No. 32 overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft on June 24, 2026. General manager Zach Kleiman previously suggested that the front office might consider trade offers for this specific pick. However, the organization ultimately decided to keep the selection and officially add the experienced collegiate guard to their newest draft class.

Saunders arrives in Memphis following a productive four-year career with the BYU Cougars, where he earned All-Big 12 honors twice. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, the guard showed consistent growth throughout his time in college. He specifically developed into a dynamic threat from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 43.2% from three-point range during his junior season.

The Grizzlies are adding Saunders to a draft class that already includes first-round talents Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez. While Saunders is already 24 years old, his age reflects a full four-year college career and time spent serving a mission. Memphis has a recent history of finding significant value in the second round, with players like GG Jackson and Cam Spencer successfully carving out roles in the rotation.

Despite his strong statistical profile, Saunders faces a recovery period before he can make his professional debut. He suffered a torn ACL in February 2026 during what was shaping up to be his most productive season at BYU. This injury likely impacted his draft position and will likely keep him off the court for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Beyond his skills on the hardwood, Saunders brings a unique family history and a notable business background to Memphis. He previously signed a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with the famous food brand Ore-Ida. This partnership was deeply personal, as his great-grandfather, Francis Nephi Grigg, co-founded the company in the 1950s and is credited with inventing the Tater Tot.

The connection between the player and the potato product became a viral sensation during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Ore-Ida temporarily rebranded itself as Ore-Richie to celebrate the guard’s performance during the Cougars’ postseason run. Fans at FedExForum should not be surprised if they see a sudden increase in Tater Tot promotions as the rookie begins his journey with the Grizzlies.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/know-grizzlies-draft-pick-richie-005757641.html