When the Grizzlies opened training camp, coach Taylor Jenkins’ ‘to-do’ list could essentially have stretched the 94-foot length of their primary practice court at FedExForum.
After a week of intense workouts, extensive conditioning and exhaustive film sessions, plenty of work remains leading into the Oct. 25 season and home opener against the Pelicans.
For now, the Grizzlies will enter this weekend’s Fan Day open practice Saturday and Sunday’s home preseason opener against the Pacers pleased with their initial progress.
“Everyone’s been going full-throttle, and right now it’s about getting the nuances with how we’re really going to execute,” Jenkins said of the team’s first official week of workouts. “Defensively, we’ve been challenging them the first few days, and then (Thursday) was heavy on offense. We’re just changing different lineups, putting guys in different spots so we can focus on . . . different things you’ll see unfold in the preseason games.”
At least three things have already unfolded clearly for the Grizzlies in camp.
First, they have arguably the best temporary scout team player in NBA history pushing them through practices as star point guard Ja Morant works out amid his 25-game suspension.
Secondly, center Steven Adams is providing some encouraging early answers through initial sessions after entering camp facing some health-related questions.
And third, the leadership voices and on-court impact of Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose are already resonating as they grow acclimated with their new teammates and surroundings.
“We got it in,” guard Desmond Bane said in summarizing the week. “Coach did a great job setting the tone for the season and holding everybody accountable. We as players have to be better bringing a better sense of urgency and really take ownership to push this thing forward.”
The initial months of the preseason and regular season will focus on adjusting to the absence of Morant as he serves the 25-game suspension for a violation of the NBA’s conduct policy.
In the meantime, Jenkins is fast-tracking Smart and Rose through the Grizzlies’ system on both ends of the court while also tweaking some aspects of the team’s offensive philosophy. Among the benefits of that process this week has been Morant’s presence on the court.
With Morant allowed to practice and travel with the team during his suspension, Jenkins embraces the task of keeping his All-Star catalyst engaged while simultaneously working to fill the void created by Morant’s absence in games.
“He and I have talked about (how) it’s a unique situation that, even though he’s allowed to practice, I’ve got to start diving into what our opening night roster is going to be and seeing those different combinations,” Jenkins said of discussions with Morant. “He’s with the second or third group, integrating with his teammates. I’ve got to focus on what’s best for the entire team. As we navigate through, he’s going to get opportunities.”
According to other Grizzlies players, Morant has been making the most of his practice role.
“He’s been great – Ja is Ja,” Bane said of Morant’s involvement during scrimmage sessions and drills. “He’s been getting all over the rim and making plays on both ends of the floor at a very high level. So it’s been great to have him in here.”
The same has been said of Adams, who competed in full-team scrimmage sessions this week.
Jenkins confirmed it was the center’s first 5-on-5 work since sustaining a season-ending knee injury in January. Before Adams left the lineup last season, the Grizzlies ranked among the top teams in the league in rebounding, offensive rebounding and second-chance scoring.
The Grizzlies struggled at times without him in those areas through the second half of the season, with his absence most noticeable in their first-round playoff series loss to the Lakers. But not only was Adams back on the court in camp, he also took on an expanded role in the offensive scheme as a playmaker with various lineups.
Adams spoke with almost a giddy tone as he described being on the court in lineups with both Bane and guard Luke Kennard, two of the NBA’s top-five 3-point shooters from last season.
Jenkins has made floor spacing an even higher priority this season, with Adams thrilled with the notion of setting screens to create open looks for the Grizzlies’ elite marksmen. The plan to be smart and cautious with Adams’ workload leading into the season opener, so it remains unclear to what extent he will be available for preseason games.
“It feels alright, it’s held up and the scrimmages have been all good,” Adams said of his knee and conditioning in camp. “You go day to day, and you don’t want to lock anything in. There’s a lot of time between now and (the games). So you just want to manage it all properly.”
Seeing Adams back and dominating the paint has been a boost in camp.
“Everything he does (makes) a difference – he’s such a presence,” All-Star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. said of Adams. “He’s scaring the other (scrimmage) teams, he’s getting boards, our guards are getting open on his screens. You can ask them, and they’ll tell you that he’s probably the best screener in NBA history. So it’s great to have him back.”
This week’s training camp was also about welcoming highly decorated newcomers who have made an immediate impact.
Bane shared how Smart made a statement throughout the gym on the opening practice of camp with the way he attacked defensive drills. During a session that same day, Smart dove on the floor for a loose ball and deflected it ahead to Bane. The play was capped with Bane’s breakaway dunk that was the deciding basket in a scrimmage session.
Smart, a nine-year veteran and 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has repeatedly said he intends to hold himself and the Grizzlies to the standards of a team seeking to reach the Finals. Two years ago, Smart and the Celtics were in the NBA Finals. He sees that potential in Memphis.
As for Rose, his goal is to be available as a contributor with his game and mind frame.
“I’m just grateful to be back on a winning team,” said Rose, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2010 who has played for six teams in his 15-year career. “This team has achieved the last two years, and the infrastructure they’ve built since they’ve had Ja has been unreal. I just have to fill in. I don’t have to do anything outside my game to prove I can play. I just have to be me and play, and it’s going to help this team.”
After a week of camp behind closed doors, the Grizzlies are ready to take their first public steps.
There’s still plenty to learn about this team in the days, weeks and months ahead.
What promises to be an intriguing journey is only beginning.