Grizzlies Summer League: 7/19 vs. Spurs

[SD2042]

http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/summerleague


Date Time Game Location Result
Tonight 7 p.m. MEM vs. OKC COX Pavillion Grizzlies 86 Thunder 57
7/14 5 p.m. MEM vs. NYK COX Pavillion Grizzlies 90 Knicks 86
7/16 9:30 p.m. MEM vs. LAC Thomas & Mack Grizzlies 85 Clippers 68
7/18 7 p.m. MEM vs. PHX COX Pavillion Grizzlies 90 Suns 60
7/19 7 p.m. MEM vs. SAS COX Pavillion


http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.ph ... id_joeger/



With the Grizzlies Summer League schedule set to tip off Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, David Joerger, Grizzlies Assistant Coach and the man who will be guiding the team’s efforts in Las Vegas, called the Grizz home office to talk about things have gone during this week’s practices.

With a handful of practices after a few days in Las Vegas, what are your thought’s on the Grizzlies Summer League team thus far?

Any time you bring a new group of people together there will be adjustments. They have to get used to each other and our system. We really want to use this opportunity to integrate our principles of play as much as possible to our draft picks and our roster guys. At this point we’ve had three practices. Two yesterday and one today so far. Its be a little sloppy at times, but we’ve seen definite improvement, and every Summer League I’ve ever been a part of has had that though. We showed marked improvement this morning. We’ve been very organized and guys have played hard. Hopefully it will be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye after we get a game or two under our belts.

What are you hoping to achieve during Summer League?

There are three things that we try to accomplish here. First we want our guys to get used to our system. We want them to get a better understanding of the schemes offensively, defensively and in transition both ways. Second, we want them to develop as individuals within the framework of the team. Summer League gives players a chance to run through the drills that we will put them through once training camp comes around, so now they won’t be seeing these drills for the first time. Third it gives us a chance to show well as a team and build momentum going into next season. We feel that with our main club we will be better next year, and there is a good feeling around the team that we will be able to create momentum here and take it into training camp.

How has Hasheem Thabeet performed in his first glimpse of real NBA action?

It is fun to see Thabeet play in five-on-five situations. His forte is affecting the game on the defensive end, and we’ve really been able to see that this week. He’s been great. He is also showing a nice ability to catch and finish around the rim. He’s showing an ability to be effective with post-ups duck-ins that will definitely help him.

Do you expect Darrell Arthur to be the leader of this Summer League team since he has had so much experience from the 2008-09 regular season?

Darrell has done a great job in practice so far. He has been very aware on the drills and is leading by example. He is not a verbal guy, but is leading through his effort and his body language. He has had three really good practices. This is an opportunity to play through him a little more. Summer League will give Arthur a chance to develop his game in the low post.

How has the Grizzlies other returning roster member, Hamed Haddadi, performing in practice?

Hamed matches up with Hasheem every minute of every practice. As a player, he tends to look better during games, so we are looking forward to the game part with him. He has international experience and got some good experience with the D-League this year, so we are looking forward to continue his improvement.

What players do you think can benefit the most from Summer League?

The draft picks can benefit the most from being here. They are getting an understanding of the transition from the college game to the pro game.

Do you think any of the veteran free-agents on the team have a chance of sticking with the Grizzlies or any other team in the league this year?

Marcus Williams is going to get a look having the NBA experience. Daniel Ewing and Donta Smith have NBA experience, so those guys are trying to make a roster. They are trying to make our roster or another.

Grizzlies.com will continue checking in with Coach Joerger during Summer League action. Plus, stay tuned for details on a live chat with Darrell Arthur that will take place on Wedesday, July 15. Back to Grizzlies Summer League home page.

[wizkid27]

I'm sure fans on both sides of the aisles will be anxiously anticipating the outcome of this contest

Should be interesting to see both teams' young players in any case!

[grizzleGM]

If the first half of play is any indication:

1) Marcus Williams will be the Grizz backup PG
2) Thabeet is going to be fun to watch this year
3) Carroll and Young will not push anyone for their starting positions, but will add good depth (strong hustle) to the bench.

[cuad]

Memphis is dominating because Marcus Williams is running the team like a real point guard. He has like 5 assists in the 3rd quarter. It must be contagious because Hdaddi just threw some sort of no look pass and got a great assist.

[rhcpjf4]

Great to hear about Marcus. He is definitely an NBA point guard and was always in the doghouse at Golden State. He is very talented and has potential to be a starter.

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

He is very talented and has potential to be a starter.

Uh oh - that will likely keep him from being a Grizzly then

[grizzleGM]

GGF... that is the first thing that went through my head. This could be a problem midway through the first year.

[BRIGGS]

Very impressed with the Grizzlies today. The Thunder were a pretty good team in Orlando and were just terrorized. Maybe the three guys who the Grizzlies drafted will not be stars but key components to help the team win. Carroll was very impressive Thabeet started the game well and clogged the paint on the D Arthur played great Adrien was tough Young started the game well and made some shots-all very physical players--could make a HUGE difference. But the star of the game and from what I have seen so far--Marcus Williams dominated the game and you could see the difference between guys like Flynn Holiday Jennings--I mean go up and down the 1st round of the draft--Marcus showed what a pass first PG can do. 17 assists and 1 TO? If I was Memphis I would give Marcus the LLE and Adrien and Young two year commitments. team building--keeping the same guys together---and on the cheap.
I was very impressed with the cohesion and toughness--I know some of you didnt like the draft but I thought it was great for the team--everyone cant be a star--you already have some really good players--you guys got some players who help make a team.

[SD2042]

http://www.nba.com/summerleague2009/gam ... 1520900011

Marcus Williams held his own in the second half increasing his dime numbers to 17. Carroll and Young were solid in their debuts in summer league tonight. Thabeet did decent on offense. On defense he only got 2rebs and a block. Probably needs to loosen up as the time goes along so I expect him to play better from the defensive end next time around. DA was solid, but still has some ways to go towards improving his game. Rush was solid from beyond the arc(3-4)

[jeff1624]

I love Marcus Williams(I'm one of the few nets fans that does). Hope he makes the team.

[grizzleGM]

If Wallace has any sense left, he needs to lock up Williams to a $10-$12mil/4yr deal. The worst he is going to be is a solid backup. He might even be good enough to split time with Mayo and open up a Conley trade.

[Joel Embust]

He might even be good enough to split time with Mayo and open up a Conley trade.

Hey, don't push it.

[Downtown]

Seriously, it's one game in the summer league. Let's not jump the gun yet.

I will say though that back in the day I remember watching the 2006 draft on Raptors TV and they had a camera in Toronto's war room and would go there every so aften to see their reaction to certain picks(they drafted Bargnani 1st that year so they had lots of time on their hands watching the rest unfold). When Marcus Williams was picked 22nd by New Jersey Raptors president and GM Bryan Colangelo said he couldn't believe Williams dropped that far and that he tried to make a trade to get another pick to take him in the low to mid teens.

He began his career in a good fashion but lost ground and then couldn't get playing time behind Kidd, although he did well when Kidd was out.As someone else mentioned once he got traded to Golden State he may as well have been in a black hole. He was a forgotten piece.

The guy is still fairly young, has skills, and hopefully he can keep the momentum going forward and can find a spot on the Grizzlies roster. It sure would fit for Memphis if they can sign a guy to a low contract as the first pointguard off the bench. Ramon Sessions kind of went through the same phase before he came into his own.

[SD2042]

If Williams continues to display what he's capable of on the court. Then CW has to at least consider the option of Williams as a potential backup PG.

[rhcpjf4]

Well if Conley underachieves, which could happen, Williams can start in the league. He is very good and has been around longer than Conley. He played under one of the best, Jason Kidd, and is still only 23

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

If Williams continues to play well with what will be the core of the Grizz's second unit (Thabeet/Young/Carroll/Arthur), attempting to sign him will be a no brainer.

[Dantares]

Jordan Hill >>>> Thabeet

[WadeKnicks2010]

What a game! I felt like we were the better team, but boy did we choke it up on defense at the end. Good win for you guys I guess though I didn't quite feel Thabeet's presence during that game. Nice work and good luck with your team.

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

Jordan Hill >>>> Thabeet

Insert 250 random players > Jordan Hill

So your overrated bust is slightly better than the Grizz's - nothing I'd be bragging about...

[Dantares]

Jordan Hill >>>> Thabeet

Insert 250 random players > Jordan Hill

So your overrated bust is slightly better than the Grizz's - nothing I'd be bragging about...

lol your right Thabeet and Jordan both played like crap today.