LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: T.J. Shorts, the standout guard for Paris Basketball, dribbles during a EuroCup Semifinal against the London Lions
Although Paris Basketball’s season isn’t over yet, reports from Europe indicate that American-Macedonian point guard T.J. Shorts will leave the French club this summer to pursue his NBA dream with the Memphis Grizzlies, turning down EuroLeague offers in the process.
According to *BasketEurope*, Shorts is expected to return to the U.S. after establishing himself as one of Europe’s top talents since graduating from UC Davis in 2019.
A Rapid Ascent in Europe
Now in his second season with Paris, a club founded in 2018 with strong NBA connections—including former Timberwolves GM David Kahn and coach Tiago Splitter—Shorts has consistently climbed the ranks. He led Paris to a EuroCup title in 2023–24, earning automatic qualification to the EuroLeague.
His individual success has been just as impressive. Shorts was named MVP of both the EuroCup and France’s LNB league this season. In 2022–23, he earned MVP honors in Germany’s Bundesliga and the Champions League while playing for Telekom Baskets Bonn. The year before, he led Germany’s top league in scoring and was MVP of the Europe Cup. Over the past four seasons, Shorts has dominated at every level he’s played.
This year, he led the EuroLeague in assists, made the All-EuroLeague First Team, and was named MVP in both the Play-In Round and November, with more accolades potentially on the way.
NBA Connection Runs Deep
Shorts now sets his sights on the NBA—the final frontier in his basketball journey. A key factor in his likely move to Memphis is head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who previously coached Shorts in both Bonn and Paris. Iisalo joined Paris in 2023, bringing much of his Bonn roster, and was hired by the Grizzlies in 2024.
Given their shared history, Iisalo is arguably the best person to vouch for Shorts’ NBA readiness. And with Memphis needing reliable backup for the often-injured Ja Morant, the fit is obvious.
Can Shorts Crack the Grizzlies Lineup?
At just 5’9″, Shorts faces the same doubts once voiced about Nate Robinson: had he been taller, he’d have been a lottery pick. Still, his offensive skillset is elite—capable of breaking down defenses, scoring from all levels, and setting up teammates with precision.
While his size limits him defensively, especially in the NBA’s complex schemes, his speed, awareness, and grit help compensate.
Given his consistent dominance in Europe’s top competitions, Shorts has proven he can excel among players with NBA experience. If *BasketEurope* is correct, he’ll join Memphis for Summer League and likely training camp. At 27 and in his prime, the only remaining question is whether he can secure a regular NBA role—and the odds are in his favor.