Tag: Grind City Media
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			 MikeCheck: Grizzlies gradually building trust and depth through early season testsIt was a gamble, but trust isn’t established in the absence of risks. At a critical stage midway through the fourth quarter of a tight game, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo summoned Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to the bench to get a few minutes of rest. 
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			 MikeCheck: Thrown into fire; Grizzlies rooks Coward, Small embrace heat of opportunitySAN FRANCISCO – As the locker room’s elder statesman and 12-year veteran with two NBA championships, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope clearly understands the difficult circumstances the Grizzlies’ rookie draft picks find themselves in these days. Opportunity can sometimes be overwhelming. Especially in the NBA when key roles and major responsibilities land too soon. But early indications are… 
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			 MikeCheck: Grizzlies must build on Opening Night takeaways as key homestand continuesThe growth mindset permeated the locker room. From Ja Morant’s astute assessments at one end of the room to the poignant perspective Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s shared at the other, the Grizzlies move forward from their season-opening victory embracing looming battles on multiple fronts. 
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			 MikeCheck: Morant ‘definitely ready to go’ as Grizzlies face challenges to open new seasonFor the past few weeks, Ja Morant has largely guided the Grizzlies through practices and preseason exhibitions from the sidelines with his vocal leadership. 
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			 MikeCheck: Evaluating every Grizzlies’ roster spot amid countdown to season openerWith preseason preparations behind them, the Grizzlies now press forward toward Wednesday’s regular-season and home opener against the Pelicans. 
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			 MikeCheck: Jackson’s return elicits confidence Grizzlies’ pieces ‘coming together’Jaylen Wells saw the clear signs a few days ago at practice. That’s when the transition was undeniable. 
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			 MikeCheck: Preseason patience required as Grizzlies balance obstacles and opportunitiesFor these Grizzlies, preseason progress requires patience with the process. Significant patience. 
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			 MikeCheck: Grizzlies hope preseason tests build foundation for potentially frightening defenseHalloween night remains a few weeks away, but the terms the Grizzlies are using to reference just how spooky they intend to be defensively this season ring a familiar tone. 
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			 MikeCheck: Progressing along two tracks, Grizzlies emerge from ‘one hell of a training camp’MEMPHIS – The most compelling scene of the Grizzlies’ three-day training camp in Nashville played out on a practice court well after one particular session ended. As coaches, staffers and some players were gathering to leave Belmont University’s athletic complex, class remained in session at the far end of the court for one group. Jaren Jackson… 
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			 MikeCheck: Despite key absences, Grizzlies open camp ‘capable of maybe surprising people’New faces are sprinkled throughout the locker room. A new playing style now gets fully installed entering Tuomas Iisalo’s first full season as coach.