LAS VEGAS – As the Grizzlies transition from Salt Lake City to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, their intriguing offseason development continues along multiple tracks.
From coach Tuomas Iisalo’s hands-on approach to implementing his system this summer to the work being done to fill potential holes in next season’s rotation, here are three key observations and updates as the Grizzlies continue summer schooling.
Coward’s Next Steps
Grizzlies’ lottery pick Cedric Coward hasn’t been with the team for the initial stages of Summer League as he progresses through the final stages of rehab from shoulder surgery that limited him to just six games at Washington State last season.
Coward took a significant step with the franchise Tuesday when he officially signed his rookie-scale contract that ties him to the Grizzlies for at least the next four seasons.
The 6-foot-6 swingman remained in Memphis to work with trainers and the medical staff as he eventually ramps up to full scrimmage basketball work. He is considered doubtful to play in summer league, which resumes Friday in Las Vegas when the Grizzlies face Boston.
Coward’s stock rose rapidly during the pre-draft process despite being limited in team workouts over the past few months. His measurements at the NBA Draft Combine in May – a 7-foot-2 wingspan and an 8-foot-10 standing reach – impressed suitors. The Grizzlies were the last team Coward visited and worked out for prior to being selected No. 11 overall in last month’s draft.
Barring a setback, Coward should be a full go when the Grizzlies open October training camp. Grizzlies’ president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman also confirmed Coward is “nearing the end” of the rehab program.
“The biggest challenge is to have that competitive spirit and not always have the chance to show it in the stuff I’ve been doing,” Coward told Grind City Media about his methodical return to play process. “But at the same time, when you’re training like this, you don’t get as many breaks. It’s definitely keeping me in shape. My agency and coaches have done a really good job preparing me for this. Ultimately, I’ve had that drive to really want to go against somebody. I’ve been itching to play since November 22 when I got hurt. But I’m getting closer and closer.”
Summer Vet Production
While Coward is projected to have a role in the rotation entering camp, there will be significant competition on the wing for the Grizzlies.
Two key “summer veterans” have made strong initial impressions and will look to build on their Salt Lake City momentum when the Grizzlies transition to Vegas.
Rising third-year forward GG Jackson was the team’s leading scorer in Salt Lake City, averaging 23.5 points through his first two appearances. Because Jackson missed nearly half of last season to injury and G-League assignments, there is plenty of ground for the 2023 second round pick to make up as he aims to build trust and a connection with Iisalo. Jackson has been challenged to improve other parts of his game, particularly as a defender, during summer league play.
Meanwhile, NBA All-Rookie First Team pick Jaylen Wells is proving that he’s eager to take the next step in his development after starting more than 70 games for the Grizzlies last season.
Although his shot wasn’t consistent through his first games this summer, he has provided leadership, rebounding, floor spacing and secondary playmaking. That improvement could help Wells reclaim the starting small forward spot he held until a season-ending broken wrist and concussion he suffered in early April.
“We have a new coach and a lot of new staff, so this is all about asserting yourself,” said Wells, who finished third in NBA Rookie of the Year balloting last season after being selected No. 39 in the second round. “Working on my game and coming back confident is what we’re all about.”
Iisalo’s Implementation
With the interim tag lifted and the full-time job firmly in his grasp, Iisalo now gets a chance to transition into the role without the weight of a coaching dismissal and a desperate playoff chase bearing down as they did last spring.
“I’ve had 15 games and two practices,” Iisalo often repeated when last season ended after he took over for Taylor Jenkins in late March.
Iisalo’s focus through the Salt Lake City and Vegas summer stints is to install his space and speed-based offensive concepts while also unveiling a high-pressure defense that attacks the full length of the court. Working through the kinks amid roster turnover is a challenge, but the parameters and expectations are settling into place.
“One of our goals was to get more athletic and have positional length,” Iisalo said. “We have a little bit of a different direction. We have youth, we have flexibility with the guys here, and I’m super-excited about that. That’s one of the reasons I’m coaching summer league, too, is so we can use that as a test run or a ramp-up for the coaching staff and to invest in these young guys.”
Kleiman and Iisalo are still working to fill out the staff, but the primary assistants in Salt Lake City were Jason March and Erik Schmidt. Both were holdovers alongside Iisalo from Jenkins’ staff. Former Tennessee State head coach Brian “Penny” Collins has also been with the Grizzlies in a developmental assistant role on the summer league bench.