Tag: MikeCheck
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MikeCheck: Grizzlies affiliate ‘Team Thad’ carry confidence, momentum into Jr. NBA Regionals
ATLANTA – The whistle shrieks and, suddenly, sneakers screech to a halt across the hardwood basketball court earlier this week inside a Cordova training facility. Ten young teenagers circle around a group of coaches for a few final instructions as the team wrapped up its final practice in Memphis. In a few hours, a caravan…
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MikeCheck: Five initial takeaways as Jenkins embarks on job as Grizzlies’ new coach
MEMPHIS – At age 34, Taylor Jenkins didn’t wait long for his first head coaching gig after developing as an assistant on two teams that posted 60-win seasons and the best record in the Eastern Conference over the past four years. Among the best benefits of landing the Memphis job? Consider it the organization’s vow…
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MikeCheck: Four months after deadline deal, decisive moments loom for Raptors, Grizzlies
TORONTO – One win away from his first NBA championship, Marc Gasol casually swished a jumper from the top of the key at the end of Toronto’s practice, walked across the crowded court and submerged himself into a sea of reporters along the baseline for his media session. With a victory, Toronto will knock off…
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MikeCheck: Boosted by Memphis and ‘Core Four’ brothers, Gasol relishes first taste of NBA Finals
MEMPHIS – On the verge of making the first NBA Finals appearance of his 11-year NBA career up in Toronto, Marc Gasol wanted to make at least two things very clear about his journey. First, the 34-year-old center wouldn’t change one step he’s taken on the path that got him there. And secondly, he’s got…
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MikeCheck: Morant or Barrett? Or will debate even develop in Grizz draft options for No. 2 pick?
With the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…? The early and solid frontrunner is Murray State explosive point guard Ja Morant. Most believe he’ll be the one slipping on a Grizzlies cap, sliding across the stage on June 20 when the No. 2 pick is announced at Barclays Center…
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MikeCheck: Morant makes dominant first impression at Chicago’s NBA Lottery, Combine
If you expected Morant to alter his approach now, with the bright lights, massive media swarm and intense spotlight of the entire league descending on the top draft prospects in Chicago this week, then you really don’t know Ja.
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MikeCheck: Behind-the-scenes story of how timing and teamwork were everything as Grizzlies embraced No. 2 lottery pick
It was long after those four ping pong balls delivered the Grizzlies the No. 2 overall pick in that sequestered hotel ballroom, and long after Elliot Perry’s wide-eyed gaze from the stage an hour later on national TV registered the reality of that amazing moment in franchise history.
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MikeCheck: Valanciunas’ stretch-run impact with Grizzlies aligns with NBA’s resurgence at center
Valanciunas’ instant impact ranks high atop the list of changes made going into the offseason. But is he a long-term fit, a short-term stopgap or simply a high-profile rental to get the Grizzlies through the season as the Lithuanian Lighting approaches a mid-June deadline to determine his future with the Grizzlies.
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MikeCheck: Hungry and healed, Jackson eager to build on promising but shortened rookie season
MEMPHIS – In every sense of the phrase, Jaren Jackson Jr. has fashioned himself a student of the NBA game throughout his promising but injury-shortened rookie season. Patience has been his hardest lesson to learn. “I’m not resting on anything,” Jackson said of his debut journey through the league. “There’s still so much to learn.…
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MikeCheck: With shoulder surgery behind him, Anderson still counts on being right fit for Grizz
MEMPHIS – Giving as much time as he could, Kyle Anderson did everything in his power to make sure no one in the group left disappointed. So he posed for more pictures. He embraced dozens of hugs. He lingered and laughed. And then, Anderson lingered and laughed some more. At one point, a Grizzlies’ security…