Photo: Joe MurphyNBAE/Getty Images |
Last Season
Jerry West again proved his eye for talent abilities when he acquired Wesley
Person from the Cleveland Cavaliers for little-used veteran Nick Anderson prior
to last season. After Hubie Brown took over as head coach and redefined Person's
role in the lineup, he took off. The nine-year veteran shot a ridiculous 60%
from three-point range over 15 games in December, including numerous big baskets
late in fourth quarters that sealed a win. He led the league in three-point
percentage until he broke a finger in late December that sidelined him for a
month. One of the purest jump shooters in the league, he finished third in the
NBA in three-point percentage at 43.3% and averaged 11.0 ppg including 20-plus
points in 6 games.
2003-04 Outlook
James Posey may have been acquired to fit into the starting lineup as a strong
defender, but don't expect Person to just hand over the job without a lively
battle in training camp. Even if Posey becomes the starter, Person's role may
be even more valuable to the team coming off the bench by providing instant
offense when the team needs a lift during the flow of the game. With Person
and Posey sharing the bulk of the minutes at the two-guard, the Grizzlies may
receive the best of both worlds: an athletic defensive stopper, and a player
who's almost automatic from three-point range.
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