Tag: Grind City Media
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MikeCheck: After precautionary rest for sore foot, Valanciunas eager to help Grizzlies open season on solid ground
MEMPHIS – After pushing through his first scrimmage sessions in more than two weeks, Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas emerged completely exhausted but also fully encouraged. He even had a few wisecracks. “I was joking around with my teammates,” Valanciunas said through his wide, full-bearded grin. “This is Day One of my training camp. So yeah,…
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MikeCheck: On heels of prolific effort, Grizzlies aim to build toward consistency entering final preseason tune-up
SAN ANTONIO – Moments after scoring 30 points the other night in Oklahoma City, Dillon Brooks sat at his locker with an ice pack around his shooting hand as he assessed the breakout moment of his otherwise uneven preseason. He was as dead-on accurate in his analysis as he was with his shooting stroke.
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Lang’s World: Want to be a sports fan? Get ready to hurt.
Over the last few years, several electric scooter companies have flocked to Memphis. They cost a few dollars to rent for minutes at a time, and they ostensibly present a quick, sustainable way to get around town for short distances. I don’t live close enough to regularly ride a scooter to work, but a few…
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MikeCheck: Evaluating where every roster player stands as Grizzlies reach midpoint of preseason
After opening with victories over international teams Maccabi and New Zealand, new coach Taylor Jenkins and his retooled roster are in the midst of a six-day reprieve before their final three preseason games. Here is my Grind City Media view of where each player stands at the midpoint of the preseason as the Grizzlies get…
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MikeCheck: McNair insists there’s no QB controversy at Alcorn State – it’s Harper’s job as long as Braves keep rolling
MEMPHIS – When it comes to the quarterback position in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, there are burdens and then there are blessings. Alcorn State coach Fred McNair insists he’s not burdened with the Braves’ blessings. Alcorn State Braves head coach Fred McNair looks on from the sideline during the SWAC Championship football game between the…
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MikeCheck: Grizzlies big-man tandem Jackson and Valanciunas building ‘to become best frontcourt in the NBA’
MEMPHIS – A Duke education is hardly required to grasp the dynamics of a Grizzlies offense intentionally designed to induce Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas into an identity crisis. But thankfully, Blue Devils alum Grayson Allen was available to break down the new schemes and concepts in a way that simplified expectations on a…
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MikeCheck: Anderson approaching ‘100 percent’ confidence in shoulder as he adjusts to Grizzlies faster camp pace
MEMPHIS – When training camp opened earlier this week, Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson was uncertain how much he could initially contribute in his return from offseason shoulder surgery.
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MikeCheck: Healed and hungry, Brooks ‘taking nothing for granted’ in camp quest to reclaim Grizzlies starting role
MEMPHIS – Under most circumstances, there would be inherent training camp benefits for returning as the Grizzlies’ longest-tenured player on the roster. Then there’s Dillon Brooks’ situation. “I played a whole year and then sat out practically all of last year,” Brooks said of a promising rookie season that gave way to a painful second-year…
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MikeCheck: Josh Jackson’s path to Grizzlies role will start on assignment with G League’s Memphis Hustle
MEMPHIS – Former NBA lottery pick Josh Jackson’s fresh start in Memphis this season will require earning that opportunity through a stint with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate, team sources confirmed. Jackson’s representatives and the Grizzlies have mutually agreed to allow the forward to restore his reputation on and off the court through an undisclosed…
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MikeCheck: Rookie Clarke packs outside-the-box mentality and skillset for Grizzlies’ training camp
After a breakout summer spent putting action behind those draft night words, Clarke will embark on his first NBA training camp on Oct. 1 as arguably the most intriguing player on the Grizzlies’ roster. That’s a lofty projection considering Memphis also drafted dynamic point guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in June’s and…