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Several reports confirm that Keyon Dooling will join the Memphis Grizzlies. First report I saw came from Peter Vescey.
If it's not news already then consider it so: Grizzlies have signed Keyon Dooling, who'd suffered nervous breakdown, 4 remainder of season.
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) March 27, 2013
Dooling is eligible for the playoffs. Grizz needed playmaking relief 4 Conley in that Bayless has become predominantly 2-guard
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) March 27, 2013
Dooling reportedly had a very positive influence and a tight bond with Rajon Rondo. He decided to retire from basketball before the season began and based on his story, absolutely no one could blame him or wish him anything but the best.
He soon re-surfaced with the Celtics in a "player development coordinator" role that many have assumed meant "personal Rondo life coach." When Rondo was injured, there were rumors that Dooling would return to the Celtics, but those rumors were denied and ultimately shot down. Which makes the following information somewhat confusing.
Doc on Keyon Dooling singing with Memphis; "we wanted to [sign him] but couldn’t because of the buyout. He would have been with us."
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) March 27, 2013
I'm not sure why he would be rumored to be returning to the Celtics if he was not eligible to be signed by them. But it might have something to do with how and when he was officially waived by the team. As Vescey notes, he is eligible for the playoffs because he was waived (long) before the cutoff date.
Confirming reports:
In other NBA news, Keyon Dooling texted me back tonight to say he's been in contact w/the Grizz but has not yet signed a contract w/them.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) March 28, 2013
Similar to @daldridgetnt report, Keyon Dooling said in text to Globe that he hasn't signed with #grizzlies yet but will know for sure Sunday
— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) March 28, 2013