Yuta Watanabe's blue-collar work ethic and perpetual desire to improve were defining characteristics of his rookie season.
Playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and the team's NBA G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, Watanabe made positive impressions throughout the long season.
The bulk of his playing time came with the Hustle due to his two-way contract. Per rules of NBA two-way deals that began in the 2017-18 campaign, a player can spend up to 45 days on an NBA roster, with the rest of the season with a G League club.