Santa Barbara, CA – The Memphis Grizzlies went through a spirited workout lasting more than two and a half hours at the Robertson Gymnasium on the campus of UC-Santa Barbara Tuesday afternoon.
Dave Joerger, in comments after the practice, was pleased with the workout. Noting that the coaching staff was “trying to work the two new guys (Matt Barnes and Brandon Wright) in,” Joerger enthused about the added athleticism and high basketball IQ Barnes and Wright bring to the Grizzlies roster. He was also very complimentary of Courtney Lee’s offseason conditioning work.
Even though the Grizzlies have substantial roster continuity from previous seasons, there are still things to be learned. “I want to see how different guys complement other guys and see how they play together,” said Joerger. The added athleticism on the wing (Barnes) and in the paint (Wright) will give Joerger a plethora of options and he’s faced with the enviable (I think) task of fitting together all these talented pieces.
I asked Mike Conley about his leadership role and the challenge of keeping everyone happy. “I’m all about the team,” he told me. Like Joerger, Conley was excited to see Barnes and Wright in blue and white practice jerseys. I mentioned to Conley Joerger’s comments the previous day in which he indicated that he wanted Conley to be even more aggressive offensively. “Yeah,” Conley said as a wry smile creased his face. “He’s told me that.” Mike Conley, no matter the setting, is one of the nicest and most accommodating person you’ll ever meet. But Dave Joerger wants him to be a bit more selfish. Why? Because he’s an elite level point guard and can score the ball in addition to setting up his teammates.
The bottom line is that this Grizzlies team is deeper and more talented than even last season’s bunch. That’s good, but it also presents a challenge for Joerger and his staff with respect to rotations and combinations. But it's a long season and the Grizzlies coaching staff is awfully smart. I’m betting they figure it out.