Yuta Watanabe is Key to the Memphis Grizzlies' Long-Term Plans

As the G-League season opens, all eyes are on Yuta Watanabe as he begins his developmental journey as a key piece of the Memphis Grizzlies’ future.

Yuta Watanabe has been the cause of a spike in interest of the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Based on the little time that Grizz Nation has seen him in action, he can potentially be worth all the hype.

Since the beginning of training camp, there has been a flock of media around the locker of one of the Grizzlies’ two-way players, which is very unusual to say the least.

What is also unusual is that there has only been one other Japanese player in NBA history that has appeared in a regular season game. Already in the young 2018-19 season, Yuta Watanabe became the youngest.

This is in addition to the drastically increased interest in NBA basketball in Asia, which has resulted in a slew of Asian media members following Yuta throughout his tenure as a Memphis Grizzlies player. It is no surprise he gained the top-five most new Twitter followers of any NBA player for the month of October.

In addition to his clear marketing potential, Watanabe has shown potential as a 6’9″ versatile wing on the court. While watching film of Yuta from his George Washington University days, it is noticeable how deceptively explosive he can be, especially when attacking the basket.

Yuta Watanabe also showed ability to get his own shot against equal competition. He recognizes when he has a size advantage and looks to take advantage of that. His defenders usually underestimate his ability to get by them for an easy bucket.

Watanabe is also a capable shooter with the ability to make defenders give space. Being as Yuta has shown the potential to play shooting guard and both forward spots, one can see him becoming a solid role player in the rotation because who does not like versatility?!

This Memphis Grizzlies prospect has some polishing to endure — there is no doubt. However, he has shown that he brings a lot to the table and Grizz fans should be excited about his future with the franchise.

Yuta’s success on the court can mean big-time exposure in foreign markets off the court. Exposure leads to revenue for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis’ Front Office is well aware of the marketing ramifications of a successful foreign player. This kid actually having talent was the perfect oppurtunity that is virtually of no risk.

If I were the Grizzlies’ Front Office, as of what he is today as a player, I give him at least a couple seasons to develop. Watanabe really has talent — his gifted combination fluidity and measurements alone are worth patience.

The huge ramifications it could have on the franchise in the world’s largest market are a completely different animal in comparison to the 1.1 million head count of the Memphis metro market.

With Yuta Watanabe in play for the Memphis Grizzlies, older guys fighting for roles like Chandler Parsons (who virtually are similar players) are bound to be the odd man out.

Yuta may not have the NBA All-Star potential of Jaren Jackson Jr. on court but his unique background gives him maybe even more marketability as an international sensation.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies Are Led By a Rejuvenated Marc Gasol

Needless to say, the Grizzlies have several reasons to make Yuta a priority in their developmental plans. They really need him to max out on his very solid potential as a professional basketball player.

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Bear Necessities: Key notes, numbers and trends entering Grizzlies-Raptors matchup

MEMPHIS - The Grizzlies (12-7) aim to regroup from consecutive losses since ascending to first place in the Western Conference when they face the NBA-best Raptors (17-4) on Tuesday at FedExForum.

Bear Necessities is a game-day spotlight on some Grizzlies notes of note to stay informed entering tonight's matchup.

Here are a few things to watch:

• At 7-2 inside FedExForum, the Grizzlies are tied for the second-fewest home losses in the NBA. They have not lost consecutive games at home all season, but face a Raptors' team that has won eight of 10 on the road and are the league’s lone team that is more than two games above .500 away from home.



• The Grizzlies own the best scoring defense in the NBA (100.9 points allowed per game), and have held all 13 opponents in the month of November under that team’s scoring average entering the game. The Raptors come in averaging 116.8 points overall, including 124.7 over their last three games.



• Jaren Jackson Jr. has 20 steals and 41 blocks in his first 19 career games. The only players in NBA history to post at least 20 steals and 40 blocks in their first 20 career games are: Andrei Kirilenko (2001-02), Kenyon Martin (2000-01), Shawn Bradley (1993-94), David Robinson (1989-90), Patrick Ewing (1985-86) and Bill Walton (1974-75). Jackson (481 minutes) will have played by far the fewest minutes of any player on this list except for Kirilenko (456).



• Memphis has outscored teams by 8.3 points per 100 possessions when Marc Gasol is on the court this season. But the Grizzlies are outscored by 11.4 points per 100 possessions when he’s off the floor. Gasol entered the week ranked first in the NBA in ESPN’s real defensive plus-minus and defensive win shares.



• Toronto has outscored its opponent in the first quarter in every game during its five-game winning streak. However, Memphis has outscored its opponent in each of its last two contests (coincidentally, both losses). The Grizzlies have a better record this season when trailing at the end of the first quarter (7-2) than when leading at the end of the opening period (5-5).

For the Grizzlies complete game notes, check here: Grizzlies Game Notes.

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Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks on loyalty to Canada, his big NBA dreams

It’s been much discussed in this country why NBA players don’t always represent Canada in basketball.

This summer I was curious to learn why one does. After Dillon Brooks‘ rookie year in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, no one would have faulted him had he wanted to take the summer off. But not only did Brooks play for Canada, he came back to Toronto and played in the Nike Crown league, winning the championship and league MVP.

I caught up with Brooks, whose surprise fourth place Grizzlies host his hometown Toronto Raptors Tuesday night on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet Ontario.

Brooks is a self-professed “loyal soldier” for Canada basketball. A big part of it is an “I owe you” he says he has with the national program. Well before Brooks had grown in to his six-foot-seven, 220-pound frame and was seen as a potential pro, he wasn’t on the radar in terms of Division I NCAA scholarships. In fact, the local basketball blogs in Canada didn’t even have him rated as one of the country’s top players. But the national team saw something and continued to develop him.

Rowan Barrett, the executive vice president and assistant general manager of the senior men’s program at Basketball Canada says: “Dillon is just a fighter. He has fought for everything all the way coming up. He wants to win every drill. He wants to impact every scrimmage. At some point when you want your program to have that mentality and be a squad of young men the country feels embodies them and wants to cheer for, how can you leave Dillon Brooks off your team?”

Evidently, you can’t.

In 2014 Brooks played in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship averaging 25.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He followed that up a year later playing in the FIBA U19 World Championship, averaging 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He made so much noise playing internationally against the best players in the world his age it changed his perception among NCAA recruiters. All of a sudden Brooks was in demand and landed a scholarship offer from the NBA draft pick factory, Oregon Ducks.

Three years later he left Eugene, Oregon as the Pac-12 Player of the Year and a First-team All-Pac-12 player. Despite the resume he was looked over in the first round of the NBA draft and wasn’t taken until the 15th pick of the second round. Once again Brooks was overlooked. As a surprise starter with the veteran Memphis Grizzlies team he scored 19 points in his NBA debut, the most ever by a Canadian. He hasn’t looked back and maintained his spot in the Grizzlies rotation to start his sophomore season although he’s out of the lineup right now rehabbing an MCL sprain.

But he’s used his idle time and bigger platform to help develop the grassroots basketball in Canada that helped shine a light on him.

This summer he held basketball camps in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and British Columbia to help develop basketball players in parts of Canada that don’t receive as much attention as the Greater Toronto Area.

Off the court, he participated in a soup cook off with the police to help break down the barriers between law enforcement and urban communities.

And of course, when called upon he participated in Canada Basketball’s games both in exhibition play and qualifying.

The next time you see Dillon Brooks on the court he’ll be wearing a Grizzlies jersey and the in-arena announcer will say, “From the University of Oregon.” But Brooks wants it to be known that he’s only playing at a high level because of what happened in Canada before anyone was announcing his name.

“I’m from (Toronto). This city, this country is what made me. I’m not going to stop until I’m one of the best players in the world and we are considered the best basketball nation in the world,” Brooks said.

It sounds crazy. But so has every other step in what has been a dream ascension for Canada’s on court “fighter.”

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Memphis Grizzlies unveil City Edition ‘Main Event’ Nike uniform

The Memphis Grizzlies unveiled their 2018-19 City Edition ‘Main Event’ Nike uniform on grizzlies.com today.

“The City Edition uniforms provide an opportunity for us on a one year limited edition basis to tap into an aspect of the City of Memphis and its culture and identity and shine a spotlight on it,” said Jason Wexler, Grizzlies President of Business Operations. “Before the Grizzlies came to Memphis, the most popular professional sport in town was wrestling, and this year’s City Edition uniforms and series of ‘Wrestling Nights’ with promotional giveaways at FedExForum tap into the city’s deep affection for the narrative of all the heels, faces and kings who have entertained Memphians for generations.”

The uniform is set to debut this Saturday, November 10 when the Grizzlies take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. at FedExForum on the team’s first Wrestling Night. The Grizzlies will host a total of six Wrestling Nights this season with multiple fan giveaways:

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  SaturdayNov 107:00 PM
  

  
  
  Philadelphia76ers
  
  

  Memphis Grizzlies Wrestling Tee to the first 5,000 fans in attendance.

  
  


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  SaturdayDec 157:00 PM
  

  
  
  HoustonRockets
  
  

  ‘Winter Slam’ Holiday Greeting Card Set to first 5,000 fans in attendance presented by Mercury Printing.

  
  


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  WednesdayJan 97:00 PM
  

  
  
  San AntonioSpurs
  
  


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  SaturdayFeb 97:00 PM
  

  
  
  New OrleansPelicans
  
  

  Wrestling Scarf to the first 5,000 fans in attendance.

  
  


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  WednesdayMar 207:00 PM
  

  
  
  HoustonRockets
  
  


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  WednesdayMar 237:00 PM
  

  
  
  MinnesotaTimberwolves
  
  

  Grizzlies World Championship Belt to the first 5,000 fans in attendance.

  
  

Each wrestling night this season will also be a Wingsday Wrestling Night where Grizzlies fans can get two Terrace Level IV tickets and two five-piece boneless wings coupons for just $22 presented by Wing Guru. Fans can redeem the coupon at either the Mount Moriah or Bartlett Wing Guru locations. This ticket package is available at grizzlies.com/tickets or by phone at (901) 888-HOOP.

Fans can head to grizzliesstore.com at midnight on Friday, November 9 and to the Grizz Den at 10 a.m. that day to snag the City Edition ‘Main Event’ Uniform available in adult, youth and women’s sizes. In addition, fans can also get ‘Main Event’ hoodies, shirts and Grizzlies accessories both online and at the Grizz Den.

For full details and design inspiration behind the new Grizzlies’ new Nike City Edition Uniform, visit grizzlies.com/main-event.

See Jerseys Here

Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase 2018-19 Season Tickets or 10-Game Flex Packs can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com/tickets. Tickets to Grizzlies Wrestling Nights and Single Game Tickets are also available for purchase at the FedExForum Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, online at grizzlies.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX. For more information on the Grizzlies, visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@memgrizz).

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Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

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3 Straight Home Games Are Key

MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 30: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies on October 30, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies have played six of their first nine games on the road. They prepare for a three-game homestand at the FedEx Forum where they’re already 3-0.

After being on the road so much it’ll be a big advantage for the Grizzlies to head back to Memphis for this stretch. They have played good basketball thus far but a couple disappointing losses take away from their impressive wins.

They blew two double-digit leads on the road. The first was in Sacramento and the second one was in Phoenix. They didn’t necessarily play well enough to deserve to win either of those games but when you blow big leads like that you should be embarrassed.

Memphis also got dominated on the road in the season opener against the Indiana Pacers. That was a really bad game but the Grizzlies have come back and shown that’s not who they are as a team.

Despite those losses, they had equally as impressive wins. They beat the Utah Jazz twice in Salt Lake City.

The first matchup was an epic grind it out game where neither team shot even 40% from the field. The second game was similar but the offenses got going a little bit more. Utah didn’t have Donovan Mitchell the second game so that was a big help.

None of the first three home games were that close either. They have been very good, especially on the offensive end when they’re playing in Memphis.

Coming off two straight losses it will be crucial that the Grizzlies come out and get a couple wins. They fought too hard to get some big early season wins only to fall back so quickly in the standings.

It’s not time to panic yet, but if they can’t come up with some wins at home the clock will start to tick. Every game matters in the west, even more so for a team like Memphis

They have to pride themselves on being able to defend the home floor against quality opponents. They’re going to have to play well if they want to do so.

These next three opponents are all going to be tough. If Memphis can score the ball like they have so far at home while keeping up the defensive intensity, we can expect the Grizzlies to win at least two of these three games.

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An early look at 2019 NBA Draft prospects

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils talk while on the bench during the State Farm Champions Classic against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Duke defeated Kentucky 118-84. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies don’t have a lot of building blocks for the future. The 2019 NBA Draft is a big opportunity to get another player to build around.

This is all predicated on whether or not the Grizzlies keep their pick. Right now many feel that they are set up to finish somewhere between 8-14 which would have them lose the pick but also missing the playoffs.

Obviously, this isn’t something they’ll let happen easily. If this isn’t a playoff team they need to do everything in their power to ensure that they keep their first-round pick.

If it is outside the top seven the pick goes to the Boston Celtics. With older plays like Mike Conley and Marc Gasol on your roster you never want to tank though.

Even with those two, the Grizzlies might have no other choice. If these team goes on a losing streak and falls way behind in the standings they’ll have to what’s best for the team.

It’s been a solid start to the season and they’ve shown they can compete against a lot of teams. If they continue to play like this they’ll win a lot of games.

Will they do enough to make the playoffs? That’s the decision that the front office is likely going to have to make some point throughout this season.

With how last season went it’s clear the Grizzlies do not want to have a full blown tank this season. That said losing the pick would set this franchise back.

They’ve made so many bad decisions in the past and they need to start building a legit basketball team for the future. The grit-and-grind era was a lot of fun and they had a lot of success but they never could get over the hump.

A lot of that was because of bad drafting by this front office. Though they seem to have picked some solid players the last couple years with Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr.

But just imagine if they hadn’t taken Hasheem Thabeet with the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. If they had taken a guy like Demar DeRozan or James Harden the past decade would’ve been completely different.

They can’t mess that up this time around. They have a franchise big and now they need to get another franchise star to go with him. There are a few options that really stand out but it’ll just depend on what pick if any, that they have.

The Memphis Grizzlies have made a lot of mistakes in the past. If they aren’t a playoff team they have to make sure they keep their pick. And if that happens, they need to make sure to make this pick count.

Here are five players who could fit in with the current roster and help this team win right away. But more importantly, they are guys who could be a part of the young core going forward for the long haul.

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Lang's World: Let’s take a ride on the coaching carousel

We have finally reached the end of the college football regular season. There are still a few Conferences with championships to settle, of course, but by next week that will be wrapped up, and then we can all go bowling.

And right now, if you listen real closely, you can also hear the coaching carousel beginning to spin. In a sport where the players don’t get paid, all that money has to go somewhere, and most of it seems to go to hiring and firing coaches. UNC coach Larry Fedora, for example, was replaced this week by former UNC coach Mack Brown. And now Fedora will be paid $12 million by UNC to not coach UNC.

Anyway, that big coaching wheel will keep on turnin’ for the next month or so, even if this year there probably won’t be quite as much action as a year ago. So I thought this week we could take a look at some of the best candidates for a few schools who are looking for help (and some other schools who may soon be in the market)…

Texas Tech

The Red Raiders finally cut bait with Kliff Kingsbury, who scored a lot of points but gave up even more points and went a combined 35-40 over six seasons. Kingsbury should have no trouble finding a new gig as an offensive coordinator if he doesn’t surface elsewhere as a head coach.

Our replacement: I never watched Friday Night Lights, but how about the coach from that show? Eric something-or-other? I know the role was played by the ruggedly handsome actor Kyle something-or-other who was also on that show “Bloodlines.” You’re losing a hip young coach in Kingsbury, let’s keep the Hollywood sizzle alive in Lubbock!

Louisville

The Cardinals delivered a big L to former coach Bobby Petrino, who has proven great at leaving disappointed fanbases in his wake all across the South. (As a Falcons fan, believe me I know.) Two seasons ago The Ville had a Heisman winner and a fun team. This year they finished 2-10.

Our replacement: I’m pretty sure Rick Pitino is available! But for real, there’s nothing fans in Kentucky love more than a winner, and fans of Louisville and the University of Kentucky love to tweak each other. So how about Louisville offer their head gig to former Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch? He’s currently working as a television analyst, which is a common stepping stone to the sideline.

Maryland

It’s been a rough year for the Terrapins, who had all sorts of off-field issues to deal with, so they fired coach DJ Durkin and turned to interim coach Matt Canada, who sounds like a superhero. He wasn’t: Coach Canada led them to a 5-7 record this season.

Our replacement: I know Maryland has a lot of big-time backers and alums, and it’s constantly mentioned as a place where coaches will have every opportunity to be successful. But I can’t remember Maryland ever being all that good at football -- their Wikipedia page has a section called “The Dark Years” that details a span of 13 years, which is a lot of time to be in the dark. They keep trying, but they can’t make that jump to consistent relevance happen. So where should they turn? May I suggest not all that far: There just so happens to be a coach who is currently looking for work, who coached in the region, who has had high profile offenses and developed great quarterbacks. And sure, he’s had some off-field issues, but really, you know, who hasn’t? And that’s why I think Bobby Petrino would be the perfect man for the job.

Colorado

The Buffaloes recently moved on from coach Mike MacIntyre, who went 30-44 over almost six seasons. Before MacIntyre, the Buffs hadn’t won a bowl game since 2007.

Our replacement: I mean, the clear and most hilarious answer here is former Colorado State coach Jim McElwain, who turned the Rams into a contender before leaving for Florida, where everything basically fell apart. Apparently some Colorado fans have already considered this option, with less-than-enthusiastic results.

Which to me only increases my excitement over this possibility. McElwain has shown he can win games in Colorado. Change the mascot from a buffalo to a shark and let the man do work.

USC

After a 5-7 season, coach Clay Helton recently received a dreaded vote of confidence from USC AD Lynn Swann (still feels odd to write that). Boosters may not be thrilled by Swann not cutting bait with Helton, but they have a good young quarterback in JT Daniels, and it shouldn’t be hard to do worse than a sub-.500 season.

Our replacement: Considering that the team has so many young players who are talented, and that the school obviously values headlines and hiring alums, my choice for the next head coach of USC would be USC alumni Will Ferrell. He’s famously a sports fan and athlete, and I bet he’d appreciate the opportunity to make terrific content out of a season in charge.

Illinois

Former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith was something of a surprise choice to head up the Illinois program, but three years in he’s gone 9-27, and the most impressive thing he’s put together over that span may be his giant beard. But the school obviously values Smith, as they just gave him a two-year contract extension over the weekend.

Our replacement: Well, look: You’re in the same conference as big dogs like Ohio State and Michigan, so getting into that upper echelon isn’t going to happen overnight. So in the meantime, if I was on the staff at Illinois, I’d try and make some headlines by hiring a different former Bears coach: Mike Ditka. He’s almost 80 and just had a heart attack over the weekend, but he is beloved in the state and could be a galvanizing presence.

Kansas State

The Wildcats finished the season 5-7, which is disappointing for a program that has been a perennial winner. Coach Bill Snyder has been on the sideline since 1989, so long that they actually named the stadium after him. Considering Snyder is 78 years old, the real question is will he stay or will he go? And if he goes, who replaces him?

Our replacement: In-state rival Kansas just brought in a big name in Les Miles, so I would think KSU might want to make a similarly large splash. And when I was perusing the Bill Snyder coaching tree of former assistants, there was one name that stood out to me as a potential home run: Rex Ryan. He hasn’t made many waves as a broadcaster, and you’d think as a recruiter he could do amazing things.

The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Memphis Grizzlies. All opinions expressed by Lang Whitaker are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Memphis Grizzlies or its Basketball Operations staff, owners, parent companies, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Memphis Grizzlies and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.

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Toronto Raptors Visit Memphis Grizzlies Tonight (LIVE on 92.9)

USA Today

TONIGHT: 6 p.m. Grizzlies Game Night/7 p.m. Tip/Grizzlies (12-7) vs. Raptors (17-4)

Tuesday night (11/27) the Toronto Raptors (17-4) visit FedExForum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (12-7). This is the first visit for the Raptors to Memphis since acquiring star guard/forward Kawhi Leonard.

Toronto (-4.5) is undefeated on the road against Western Conference teams this season. Memphis is coming off two disappointing losses to the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks.

Memphis is seven and two at home.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Grizzlies Game Night Show LIVE from FedExForum at 6:00 p.m. Grizzlies Network Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. Tip with Eric Hasseltine just after 7:00 p.m. on 92.9 FM & 680 AM in Memphis and throughout the Mid-South.

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Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit ‘n Grind is dead. But they brought grime back.

Among the teams whose regular-season fortunes could have gone either way, the Memphis Grizzlies stick out. One of the absolutely worst teams in the NBA last season after a string of very competitive campaigns, no one knew if Mike Conley and Marc Gasol could rekindle their profitable partnership with question marks all across the roster. No one knew if J.B. Bickerstaff, the rare interim head coach made permanent, could effectively balance the needs of the veterans and a youth movement focused on Jaren Jackson, Jr. No one knew if Kyle Anderson would work away from San Antonio. And on, and on ...

Conley-to-Gasol? It still works. Playing Jackson alongside the vets? It works. Slow-Mo Anderson in Memphis? Oh, it works.

The Grizzlies are 6-4 after beating the sizzling Nuggets on Wednesday night in one of the lowest-scoring games of the season. The victory counts as Memphis’ third signature win of the young season after a pair of road triumphs over the Jazz. These wins will matter in April, and given that they are coming in the season’s first month with all the fit and rust issues Memphis had to deal with, that’s a very promising sign.

So, how are the Grizzlies doing this? It’s not the old Grit ‘n Grind joint we grew to love. But it sure is grimy. As Dan Devine noted in his weekly column, Memphis has the lowest average pace in the league this season at 96 possessions per game, per stats.nba.com. That’s more than 10 possessions behind the two highest-pace teams (Atlanta and Sacramento) and more than five behind the league median (101.7). That pace is real, too: it’s not exaggerated by rebounding weirdness as is sometimes the case with other teams. (Memphis is low on the table for offensive rebounding and pretty close to the median in defensive rebounding.)

As in the GnG days, the Grizzlies rely on defense (No. 6 in the NBA) and get by on offense (a little more than one point per 100 possessions below league median). Here’s how things are way different: Memphis is no longer allergic to the three-pointer. The Grizzlies are right at league median in the percentage of their points that come from beyond the arc — and mind you, that’s the current league median, which is bloated compared to the heyday of Grit ‘n Grind.

With two exceptions, every healthy rotation player takes at least three triples per 36 minutes of playing time, per basketball-reference.com. The exceptions: lightly used reserve big Ivan Rabb and the idiosyncratic Anderson, who barely shoots from anywhere, ever. (Seven field goal attempts per 36 minutes. He averages one shot every five minutes. Even Tony Allen would be impressed.) Most of the Grizz are shooting pretty well, too: the rookie Jackson has struggled to find his range but thankfully keeps shooting, and Conley has been quite cold to start the season.

Of course, the Grizzlies rely heavily on that old diet of Gasol-Conley picks and rolls. It’s still effective, even as Gasol slows down and Conley struggles from the floor. With willing shooters around the dual passers, there are a lot more options when it’s time to make a decision for either Mike or Marc. Zach Randolph wasn’t waiting in the short corner for the kick-out all that much. Tony Allen wasn’t much of a release valve at the weak elbow. Plus, neither could really take over ball-handling duties like Anderson, Temple, and Shelvin Mack can these days.

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The Gasol-Conley pick and roll is still fairly old school. Gasol is a great passer and shooter, and Conley has a wicked first step. But this isn’t exactly Jokic-Murray or Embiid-Simmons or Harden-Capela. There’s no major innovation here, just modest updating to keep up with the times. It’s really the closest thing to Duncan-Parker we have left in the league.

This is where the Grizzlies land: strikingly modern compared to their old selves, yet still apart from a league obsessed with tempo, joie de vivre, and innovation. Will the contrast work like it used to? Ask the Nuggets, who have a lot of mud to clean off their boots after their trip to Memphis on Wednesday.

Grit ‘n Grind isn’t back, and never will be. But the Grizzlies are bringing grime into the new NBA by being themselves. Why would we ever ask for anything more?

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2018/19 CITY EDITION MAIN EVENT UNIFORM | Memphis Grizzlies - NBA.com

2018/19 CITY EDITION MAIN EVENT UNIFORM | Memphis Grizzlies  NBA.com

Before the Grizzlies came to Memphis, the most popular professional sport in town was wrestling, and this year's City Edition uniforms and series of 'Wrestling ...

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Five Enes Kanter trades that could work for the Knicks

Enes Kanter has been unhappy with his situation at points this season, complaining in late October while coming off the bench. While he's back in the starting lineup and averaging roughly five more minutes per game than his career average, it would still make sense for the Knicks to explore a potential trade.

Here are five that could work...

Enes Kanter for Miles Plumlee, Justin Anderson

This is one of the two major Kanter-centric deal structures we'd likely see from the Knicks, using his expiring $18 million contract to take on longer-term salary and a young piece or pick as a sweetener. The Hawks have a dearth of talented centers, and although they may not be major players in free agency, the extra $12 million saved by dumping Plumlee could come in handy for trying to outbid the market on talent. For the Knicks, Anderson is an intriguing wing/stretch four prospect worth gambling on despite his nomadic NBA journey thus far. If head coach David Fizdale could resurrect Emmanual Mudiay's career, why not Anderson's? The added cap hit would hurt, but not enough to take New York out of the, say, Kevin Durant sweepstakes with some further maneuvering.

Enes Kanter for Ian Mahinmi and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Along the same lines as the last deal, but this play brings higher risk and higher reward. Washington has been banking on Oubre Jr. to blossom into a wing threat his entire career, with some highlights but not enough concrete improvement. He's still only 23, but with his rookie deal expiring, Oubre Jr. is due for what should be a healthy extension. The Wizards already have the dependable Otto Porter and are one of the least financially flexible teams in the league. They could be willing to deal Oubre Jr. if it means getting Mahinmi off their books, but the Knicks would have to hope matching an Oubre Jr. offer letter won't completely decimate their cap space.

Enes Kanter for Bismack Biyombo and a 2nd round pick

If the Knicks just want to get their quick return on Kanter, something like this would be the move. Biyombo has a similarly large salary and is signed through 2020, but New York could stretch his contract and collect the pick in hopes of landing another Mitchell Robinson or Allonzo Trier. Charlotte could be interested in clearing up cap room with Kemba Walker hitting the free agency pool this summer, and in theory would part with a draft pick to do so.

Enes Kanter, Frank Ntilikina and a 1st round pick for John Wall

Here lies the other approach a Kanter trade could take, throwing him in a larger deal as salary filler in New York's pursuit of a star. Recent reports have the Wizards shopping John Wall and Bradley Beal, and if they want to go in the rebuild direction, landing a big prospect in Ntilikina and a future first could entice them. Some Knicks fans may be tired of dealing assets to chase starpower, but it's hard not to think about how big a paradigm shift bringing in a player of Wall's stature would be. Suddenly a Durant or Kawhi Leonard feels in play, and even if the Knicks have to settle for a lesser player in free agency, Wall and Porzingis with a developing young core is nothing to complain about.

Enes Kanter, Frank Ntilikina for Hassan Whiteside

Whiteside is no Wall, but he is an interesting fit with Porzingis and could be enough to bring big names to July's pitch meetings. The two would form a terrifying defensive force in the frontcourt, while leaving the primary interior defense and rebounding duties to Whiteside over the lankier Porzingis. Whiteside can also step out to the mid-range and is a dangerous roll threat, which Porzingis can work with as a spread big. The Heat have been hovering at the middling level for some time now, and could look to shake things up. They're tied down to a number of big contracts, and shaking loose from Whiteside's while getting Ntilikina could be the move Pat Riley is looking for.

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What are the Knicks' odds to land Kevin Durant next summer?

The Knicks have the fourth-best odds to land Kevin Durant next summer, according to the sportsbook Bet DSI.

New York's odds are +750, which is the fourth-best. The Lakers are the favorites at +150, while the Warriors (+300) and 76ers (+500) are also ahead of the Knicks.

There has been a lot of speculation about Durant's plans when he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2018-19 season, currently his third with Golden State.

There was a billboard near Madison Square Garden that photoshopped a Knicks jersey on him ahead of an October Knicks-Warriors matchup, something that led him to say he wasn't "really impressed with that type of stuff."

Video: Kevin Durant comes to NY and talks free agency rumors

The 30-year-old Durant, a four-time scoring champion and two-time Finals MVP, has averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 21 games so far this season. 

At 14-7, the two-time defending champion Warriors have the fourth-best record in the NBA and are just percentage points behind the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference. 

But even before Durant and Warriors teammate Draymond Green had tension that they eventually downplayed, Durant's brother hinted at the possibility that this season would be Durant's last with the Warriors.

That said, the Knicks reportedly have a "very good shot" at landing Durant.

And now there's a number on it.

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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takes on the season so far

Well here we are, 10 games into the 2018-19 NBA season and the Memphis Grizzlies are a “disappointing” 6-4. There have been jump out of your chair screaming and punch a hole in the wall moments so far this season, so let’s not waste any more time.

1. The Memphis Grizzlies should be 8-2

It feels weird just typing that out. Projections made by the “experts” and local media did not project the Grizzlies being 8-2, and they aren’t but THEY SHOULD BE. Two of the Grizzlies four losses have come by the hands of the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors. Both of those games were predicted and expected losses so who cares.

The other two losses? Yea how about the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, two inexcusable blunders in the early part of the season (although Sacramento does appear to be better than they have been). When we reach the final weeks of the season and we are looking at two games to get into the playoff picture, these two will possibly be the first to pop into mind, especially Phoenix.

Now Memphis was not projected to win three of the five games they have won so far: Home against Denver and two road games against Utah. A projected 10 game start to the season would be 4-6, so 6-4 is awesome, but it feels less than that.

Which leads me to my second thought. . .

2.The Grizz play to the level of their opponent.

In both the Sacramento and Phoenix losses, the Grizzlies blew double digit leads. For years Memphis has never really figured out how to put a game away, how to destroy the hopes of a team coming back. For whatever reason, the Grizzlies seem to let most teams hang around.

When you see a team lose to a 1-7 Phoenix Suns, who are on a seven game losing streak, logic doesn't allow you to believe that they would beat 9-1 Nuggets team. But here we are again, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team that defies logic. The Grizzlies play playoff level basketball against good teams (except that second half showing against the Warriors) and lottery level basketball against bad teams at times. Its the roller coaster Grizz nation has been riding for years, and this year the rides looks as if its going to continue.

3. Kyle Anderson is not the 3 and D wing we were looking for.

He’s not even the scoring wing we have been looking for. The dude looks allergic to putting the ball in the basket at times. The thing is, your level of disappointment with Anderson depends on your expectation for him. If you expect him to put up 12-15 points, knock down threes, and shut down the other team’s star, then you will be let down almost every game.

Rather than looking at Anderson to be a Kawhi Leonard for this team, the Grizzlies should use him as a skinnier Draymond Green. Green does not have a night where he is expected to contribute anything as far as points in the Golden State offense. Instead, Green is used as a playmaker and defender. That is exactly how the Grizzlies should use Anderson, let Mike Conley play off ball while Anderson facilitates on offense. Any point Anderson gets in transition or on some cuts to the basket are a bonus.

Accept Anderson for what he is. Stop expecting him to be something he is not and you will no longer be let down but fully appreciative.

Speaking of Mike Conley. . .

4. Mike Conley is struggling, but it should be expected.

It is a borderline miracle that the Grizzlies are winning games while Mike Conley has been down right bad. Mike has the highest usage rate (27.5%) on the team this season but has a negative overall plus-minus (-.4) so far this year. He is also shooting 28% from 3 and 40% from the field.

We know that Mike is better than this, but people underestimate how tough it is to get back into game shape after missing over a year of basketball. These are the best athletes in the world, and in the beginning of the season, they are all fresh. To expect Conley to be awesome right now is completely unrealistic.

When Mike finds his rhythm, this team could be a nightmare for other teams, just like the old days.

5. Shelvin Mack is proving everyone wrong, so far.

I do not recall anyone approving or even understanding the Mack signing, let alone expecting this kind of production. The majority of fans and writers alike were perplexed by the team bringing on Mack because of the drafting of Jevon Carter and the presence of Andrew Harrison. Count me as one of those people.

Mack earned the backup spot over Harrison and played well enough to even have him cut (now he is a 2-way player for the Cavaliers). Heck, Mack has even played better than the starter, yes that is Mike Conley. It is not a stretch at all to say that the Grizzlies do not have six wins at this point without the play of Shelvin Mack.

Hot Take alert: Mack could be the best back up point guard this franchise has seen. I know it has been ten games, and his play will come down to earth, but its a hot take for a reason. The Grizzlies need him to continue his stellar play until Mike finds his footing.

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GrizzFam tips-off donation drive to benefit GOOD+ Foundation

GrizzFam, the Memphis Grizzlies’ auxiliary group that supports the needs of the community throughout the Mid-South region, is tipping-off their first ever donation drive to benefit the GOOD+ Foundation. GrizzFam members consist of wives, significant others and family members of the Grizzlies’ players, coaches and basketball operations staff.

Through the #GrizzFamChallenge, the Grizzlies, their families, friends and fans can donate diapers, wipes and gift cards to the GOOD+ Foundation which serves children affected by multi-generational cycles of poverty and puts their caregivers at a disadvantage to provide them with a brighter future. GrizzFam’s goal is to challenge other NBA teams in a friendly competition to donate and raise the most funds and supplies for local communities through GOOD+.

In their initiative, GrizzFam has challenged the families of the Golden State Warriors via social media to match or out-donate them. If the Warriors choose to accept, they in turn are encouraged to challenge another team of their choice, creating an on-going NBA community initiative.

Fans who would like to donate and support the #GrizzFamChallenge can do so by visiting give.goodplusfoundation.org/grizzlies.

For more information and updates about the GrizzFam donation drive, visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@memgrizz). Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase 2018-19 Season Tickets or 10-Game Flex Packs can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com/tickets. Single Game Tickets are also available for purchase at the FedExForum Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, online at grizzlies.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX.

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Belief in legends with the Memphis Grizzlies

What makes a basketball player great?

When many people think of basketball greatness, they often think of “killers” like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant—players who often coldly and ruthlessly won games based off what seemed to be their own raw talent and mentality.

Bryant in particular was a different breed. He was someone who not only wanted to beat you but also humiliate you in the process. As he said through a young kid in his “Musecage” on Kawhi Leonard, he wanted to destroy his competition not only physically, but spiritually. He wanted to destroy them so completely, so utterly, on both ends of the court that they would never want their loved ones to come watch them play ever again.

He was almost sociopathic in nature in how he approached the game of basketball. But it was what made him great. And even as a fan of an opposing team, you could just feel his greatness whenever he stepped on the court.

It was an aura, an unshakable sense of almost divine purpose that permeated him. It’s an aura of greatness that all of the greatest players in NBA history share.

It’s an aura that the Memphis Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA can already see flashes of in Jaren Jackson Jr.

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Now make no mistake: Jackson is certainly no Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, or Kevin Garnett. Those players were merciless machines in a way that Jackson’s personality will likely never allow him to be.

He’s also not a unicorn like Kristaps Porzingis or Karl-Anthony Towns. No, he’s more of a freaking behemoth.

So who exactly is Jaren Jackson Jr., and what makes him so great at such a young age?

To put it simply, his greatness is found in his uniqueness. There is essentially no player like him in NBA history.

Of course, enough has already been said about his almost unprecedented versatility at the age of 19. He’s currently 5th in the NBA in blocks at 2.2 per game, and he’s shooting 35% from three. His per-36 minute numbers are also generally superior to both those of Anthony Davis and Kevin Garnett during their rookie years in their rookie campaigns (and he is months younger than both of them were).

He’s a player who not only will be able to dominate the game on both ends of the court, but he is also capable of it now. There have been times where he has looked like an immaculate monster on the defensive end of the court, such as when he blocked four shots in in just over a four-minute span against the New York Knicks. There have also been times where he has overwhelmed his opponents inside the paint offensively, such as when he scored an easy 27 points against the Sacramento Kings.

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

And when those two areas of his game come together, he has all the makings of a player that could quickly become the best big man in the NBA.

However, his uniqueness is found in more than just his skill set.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is the modern example of what Kobe Bryant envisions a great player to be. He has the ability to dominate and demoralize on both ends of the court with God-given ability that few others on the planet possess. But he does so in a way that is entirely his own.

Jackson does not possess the authoritarian, ruthless demeanor of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. He doesn’t dominate with the machine-like veneer of Kawhi Leonard or the calm, collected countenance of Tim Duncan. He isn’t a finger-wagging eater of worlds like Dikembe Mutombo.

At his core, he is who he is. He’s an outgoing player who loves the game of basketball and plays the game with sincere joy. He will dominate the game on both ends of the court, smiling the whole time that he does it. It’s almost like watching a kid in a candy store, if the kid was collecting his opponent’s souls instead of lollipops.

There is an innocence to his potential greatness, and it makes it all the more special.

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The best part? The Memphis Grizzlies have never really had a player like Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies have certainly had great players over the years, but they’ve certainly never had one who so easily excels at such a young age. They have never had a player who may really win an MVP one day.

They have never had a player who could be among the greatest to ever play when their career is over.

Of course, it is still very early in Jackson’s career, and as we have seen with Derrick Rose, many things can go awry over the course of a long career. There are many reasons why he may never live up to his seemingly limitless potential. Yet there is one thing that is absolutely true about Jaren Jackson Jr.

I have never seen anything quite like him.

The Memphis Grizzlies have someone who is special and has a potential greatness that is entirely his own. And for a franchise that is often overlooked, that is worth celebrating.

Follow @sbngrizzlies

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NBA rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. shows big game, personality

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NBA lottery pick Jaren Jackson Jr. explains his approach to handling hazing during rookie season with Memphis Grizzlies.
David Cobb, The Commercial Appeal

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. drives past Denver Nuggets forward Paul Milsap during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.(Photo: Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

Jaren Jackson Jr. answered the last question from a semi-circle of reporters gathered around him and looked across the Grizzlies' practice facility inside FedExForum.

He saw teammate Ivan Rabb, one of the last remaining Grizzlies in the gym after Friday's practice, and yelled.

“Come on, V!" the 19-year-old Jackson said. "We’ve got a meeting. Nah, I’m playing.”

Joking with the 21-year-old Rabb is one thing.

But Jackson even elicited smiles from veteran teammate Garrett Temple in the locker room after a recent game by suggesting that Usher, whose biggest hits debuted in the early 2000s, might be the 32-year-old Temple's favorite recording artist.

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Such is the infectious nature of an NBA rookie with a massive wingspan and similarly wide grin. 

And when it comes to the coaches? Well, how could they be anything but smiles with the back-to-back performance Jackson turned in against the Western Conference's top teams this week?

Entering Saturday's game against the 76ers, Jackson ranked ninth among rookies in minutes per game but sixth in rebounds per game, fifth in points per game and third in total blocks.

He averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and four blocks per while playing 32 minutes in back-to-back games against Golden State and Denver this week.

NBA: Western Conference standings

"The best part about him is he doesn’t even know how good he is yet," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "I think he’s just scratching the surface."

Staying out of foul trouble has helped. In the first full game Memphis played without forwards JaMychal Green and Chandler Parsons, Jackson fouled out.

The next game, he committed five fouls.

But Jackson committed fewer than four fouls in each of the Grizzlies' last three games entering this weekend's action.

"When you’re picking up fouls, it messes with you mentally, too, because now you’re overthinking everything," Bickerstaff said. "But now that he’s been able to stay on the floor, you can see the confidence growing."

Jackson has boiled that down to a simple calculus equation.

“Whenever you don’t foul, coach is like ‘Oh yeah, he can play,’" Jackson said. "So there you go. More fouls equals more minutes.”

Injuries to Parsons and Green accelerated Jackson's path to the starting lineup.

As for how he is developing cohesion with veteran center Marc Gasol, Jackson said, "chemistry is built doing anything."

"Either I’m watching him in his position and I step in for him," Jackson said. "Or if we’re starting together, I’m playing off of him. All that comes with watching film, even on defense if I know he’s going to go help a certain way, I can go help him.”

Jackson said he tries not to dwell on the grind of an NBA season, an 82-game slate that will dwarf the 35-game schedule he played at Michigan State a year ago.

But there is something familiar about his time at Michigan State and his time so far in Memphis.

He was a freshman there and a rookie here.

If you're the young guy on the team dishing out jokes and friendly jabs toward teammates, you better be ready to take some, too.

"Don’t turn off your phone," Jackson said. "Just make sure you’re on call. I make sure to always be punctual to everything. Do everything they ask, because then the hazing comes if you don’t do that.

"I just make sure my phone is on high ringer all the time. I’m ready.”

Reach Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb at david.cobb@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @DavidWCobb.

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